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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout Multiple States

This situation come after this month's bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of homes and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for the coming days in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure moves eastward, bringing intense sunshine to much of the area.

The mix of extremely dry land and unbroken high temperatures creates a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a metropolis was plunged into blackout last week after powerful gusts compromised the city’s electrical network, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also caused major transport delays at a key airport, where numerous flights were grounded. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause ongoing problems as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Covers Sunny Area

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A particular form of fog, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a major airport below 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended fog has been driven by unprecedented fall precipitation that left soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Result: Extended and dense mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Holiday Islands

And in Spain, a weather system has ushered in heavy rain, strong gales and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snow, fierce northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The effect of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal weather returning.