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Scorching conditions 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 severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the south-west.

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout Multiple States

This situation follow recent fires in another state, which caused the destruction of homes and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have additionally been activated for the coming days in parts of South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure moves eastward, delivering blazing sunshine to much of the area.

The combination of extremely dry land and relentless high temperatures presents a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in darkness last week after strong winds compromised the city’s power grid, with toppled trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also caused significant transport delays at a key airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause ongoing problems as service providers scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Blankets Sunny Area

At the same time, a valley famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended fog has been driven by unprecedented fall precipitation that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and thick mist development.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

And in Spain, a powerful storm has brought intense rain, powerful winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the heaviest snow depths since 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce winds from the north swept across the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several locations. The effect of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more typical conditions taking hold.