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

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Across the Region

These conditions come after this month's bushfires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of properties and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for later this week in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure moves eastward, bringing blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The combination of extremely dry land and relentless high temperatures creates a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into darkness recently after strong gusts compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused major transport delays at a major airport, where numerous flights were cancelled. Substantial damage to power systems is expected to create ongoing issues as service providers scramble to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a region famed for its clear skies and abundant sunlight has endured one of its grayest and most overcast periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended fog has been fuelled by exceptional fall precipitation that resulted in the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and thick fog development.
• Impact: Thermal readings remained below average for an lengthy time.

Storm Brings Snow to Tourist Destination

And in Spain, a powerful storm has brought heavy rain, powerful gales and even snow to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at higher ground, the system delivered some of the deepest snow depths since 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snowfall, strong northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple locations. The effect of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal weather returning.