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Extreme heat and raging wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels expected to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Across the Region

This situation follow recent bushfires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of properties and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have additionally been issued for the coming days in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing heat to a broad swath of the area.

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

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

Elsewhere, a major city was left in blackout recently after powerful winds compromised the city’s power grid, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also led to major transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Severe damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create further problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Covers Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a valley known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented fall precipitation that left the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall saturated the ground.
• Result: Extended and thick mist formation.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in Spain, a powerful storm has brought heavy rainfall, strong gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the heaviest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snow, fierce northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The influence of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more typical conditions taking hold.