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

Broad Heatwave Warnings Across Multiple States

This situation come after recent bushfires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of homes and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have also been activated for the coming days in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a system of high pressure moves to the east, delivering blazing heat to much of the area.

The mix of extremely dry land and unbroken heat creates a volatile scenario for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was left in blackout recently after powerful gusts compromised the city’s electrical network, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also led to major travel disruption at a major airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on power systems is anticipated to create ongoing issues as service providers work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Covers Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a region known for its clear skies and plentiful sunlight has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended fog has been driven by exceptional fall rainfall that left soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Result: Extended and thick mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Holiday Islands

And in Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rain, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the heaviest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snow, fierce winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple locations. The effect of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions returning.