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

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout the Region

This situation follow this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have also been issued for the coming days in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing blazing sunshine to much of the region.

The mix of tinder-dry land and relentless high temperatures presents a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into blackout last week after strong winds compromised the urban power grid, with toppled trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also caused significant transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to create ongoing issues as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a region known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has endured one of its dullest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended fog has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and dense fog formation.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an extended period.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

Turning to 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 favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the system delivered some of the heaviest accumulations since 2016 to a protected area, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, strong northerly winds buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on several islands. The effect of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more typical weather taking hold.