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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Across Multiple States

These conditions come after this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of properties and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have additionally been issued for the coming days in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure moves eastward, bringing intense heat to a broad swath of the region.

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

Worldwide Climatic Events Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was left in darkness last week after strong winds compromised the urban power grid, with toppled trees bringing down electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused significant transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial impact on power systems is expected to cause ongoing problems as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Covers Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a region known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged haze has been driven by exceptional autumn precipitation that left the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and dense mist formation.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed below average for an extended time.

Storm Delivers Snow to Tourist Islands

Turning to Spain, a weather system has brought intense rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the system brought some of the heaviest accumulations since 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce northerly winds buffeted the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several locations. The effect of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.