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

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout Multiple States

This situation come after this month's fires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have additionally been issued for later this week in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure moves to the east, bringing blazing heat to much of the area.

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

Global Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in blackout last week after powerful winds compromised the city’s power grid, with toppled trees bringing down power lines. The weather conditions also led to major transport delays at a major airport, where numerous flights were grounded. Substantial impact on power systems is anticipated to cause ongoing problems as utility companies scramble to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Covers Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunlight has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on record. A specific type of fog, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended fog has been driven by unprecedented autumn rainfall that left soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Result: Extended and dense mist development.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Holiday Destination

And in Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rainfall, strong winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the system delivered some of the heaviest accumulations since 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snow, strong winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several locations. The effect of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more typical weather returning.