🔗 Share this article

Extreme heat and intense bushfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the south-west.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout the Region

This situation come after this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of homes and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have also been activated for the coming days in parts of SA and NSW, as a system of high pressure moves to the east, bringing intense sunshine to much of the region.

The mix of extremely dry land and unbroken heat creates a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Global Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in darkness last week after powerful winds damaged the urban power grid, with toppled trees bringing down electricity cables. The stormy weather also led to major travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Substantial damage to power systems is anticipated to create further issues as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Blankets Sunny Area

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on record. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by exceptional autumn precipitation that left the ground waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and dense fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained below average for an extended period.

Storm Brings Snow to Holiday Islands

And in Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rainfall, strong winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, strong winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The influence of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more typical weather taking hold.