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Extreme heat and raging bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the south-west.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout the Region

These conditions come after recent bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have also been issued for later this week in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure moves eastward, bringing blazing heat to much of the area.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in blackout recently after powerful winds damaged the urban electrical network, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also led to major travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Substantial damage to power systems is anticipated to cause further problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Blankets Sunny Region

At the same time, a region known for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by unprecedented fall rainfall that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record fall rains soaked the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has brought heavy rainfall, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the storm brought some of the heaviest snow depths since 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snow, strong northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several locations. The effect of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more typical conditions returning.