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Scorching conditions and raging bushfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe heatwave warning has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Warnings Throughout Multiple States

These conditions come after recent bushfires in another state, which caused the loss of properties and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have also been issued for later this week in areas within SA and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing intense sunshine to much of the region.

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

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was left in blackout last week after powerful gusts compromised the city’s power grid, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also led to significant travel disruption at a major airport, where numerous flights were grounded. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create ongoing problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Sunny Area

At the same time, a region known for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The extended fog has been driven by unprecedented fall precipitation that left soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall saturated the ground.
• Result: Extended and dense mist formation.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed below average for an extended period.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

And in Spain, a powerful storm has brought heavy rainfall, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, strong winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple islands. The effect of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more typical weather taking hold.