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Scorching conditions and intense wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Across the Region

These conditions follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have also been activated for later this week in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, delivering blazing sunshine to much of the area.

The mix of tinder-dry land and relentless high temperatures creates a volatile situation for firefighters.

Global Climatic Events Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in blackout last week after powerful winds compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also led to significant travel disruption at a major airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Severe damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to create further problems as utility companies scramble to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Covers Sunny Area

At the same time, a region known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest periods on record. A particular form of fog, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The extended fog has been fuelled by unprecedented fall rainfall that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Tourist Destination

And in Spain, a weather system has brought intense rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, fierce northerly winds swept across the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple locations. The influence of the storm is expected to ease this week with more typical weather taking hold.