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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe heatwave warning has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Across the Region

This situation come after this month's bushfires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have also been activated for the coming days in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to much of the region.

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

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into blackout last week after strong winds damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused major travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to cause ongoing issues as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Covers Typically Clear Region

Meanwhile, a region known for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on record. A specific type of fog, which usually lasts 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 fog has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains saturated the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and dense fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

Turning to Spain, a weather system has brought heavy rainfall, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the heaviest accumulations since 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, strong northerly winds swept across the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several islands. The effect of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more typical weather returning.