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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Heatwave Warnings Throughout Multiple States

These conditions follow recent bushfires in another state, which caused the destruction of properties and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for later this week in areas within SA and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing intense sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The combination of tinder-dry vegetation and unbroken high temperatures presents a dangerous scenario for emergency crews.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in darkness last week after strong winds damaged the city’s power grid, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also led to major transport delays at a major airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Substantial damage to power systems is anticipated to cause ongoing issues as service providers work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Covers Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a region known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its grayest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that left soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains saturated the ground.
• Result: Extended and dense mist formation.
• Impact: Temperatures remained below average for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

And in Spain, a weather system has ushered in heavy rainfall, strong winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system brought some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snowfall, fierce winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple locations. The influence of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.