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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout Multiple States

These conditions come after this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of homes and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for later this week in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure moves eastward, delivering intense sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Climatic Events Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in darkness last week after strong gusts damaged the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to major transport delays at a key airport, where numerous flights were grounded. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to cause ongoing issues as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Covers Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a valley famed for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has endured one of its dullest and foggiest periods on record. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, holding temperatures at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended fog has been fuelled by unprecedented fall rainfall that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and thick mist formation.
• Impact: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

And in Spain, a weather system has brought intense rain, powerful gales and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at higher ground, the storm brought some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on several locations. The effect of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal weather returning.