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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Across Multiple States

These conditions come after recent fires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of properties and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have additionally been activated for the coming days in parts of SA and NSW, as a system of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The combination of tinder-dry land and unbroken high temperatures creates a volatile situation for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in darkness last week after powerful winds compromised the city’s power grid, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also led to significant transport delays at a major airport, where numerous flights were cancelled. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to cause further issues as utility companies scramble to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Blankets Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a region known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A specific type of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended fog has been driven by exceptional fall precipitation that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Result: Extended and dense mist formation.
• Impact: Temperatures remained below average for an extended time.

Storm Brings Snow to Tourist Islands

And in Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, strong winds and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the system delivered some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snowfall, fierce northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several islands. The influence of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more typical conditions taking hold.