🔗 Share this article

Extreme heat and intense wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout the Region

This situation follow this month's bushfires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of properties and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for the coming days in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure shifts eastward, delivering intense heat to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and unbroken high temperatures presents a volatile situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into blackout last week after strong winds compromised the urban power grid, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to create further problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Blankets Sunny Area

At the same time, a region known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its grayest and most overcast periods on record. A particular form of fog, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and long-lasting this year, holding temperatures at a key transport hub under 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn precipitation that left the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains saturated the soil.
• Result: Extended and dense mist development.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Storm Delivers Snow to Tourist Destination

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has brought intense rain, powerful winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, strong winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple locations. The effect of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more typical conditions taking hold.