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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels expected to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout the Region

These conditions follow recent bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of properties and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have also been issued for the coming days in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure moves to the east, delivering blazing sunshine to much of the area.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Global Climatic Events Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was left in darkness last week after powerful winds compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to create ongoing issues as service providers work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a region known for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has endured one of its grayest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended fog has been driven by unprecedented fall rainfall that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and thick fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has brought intense rain, strong winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the system delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, strong winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The influence of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more typical weather returning.