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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe heatwave warning has been issued across much of the south-west.

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout the Region

These conditions follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of homes and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have additionally been issued for the coming days in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, delivering intense sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

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

Worldwide Climatic Events Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in darkness recently after powerful winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Severe damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause further issues as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Covers Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a region famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its grayest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport below 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by exceptional fall precipitation that resulted in the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains saturated the soil.
• Result: Extended and dense fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rain, powerful gales and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the system brought some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce winds from the north swept across the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more typical weather taking hold.