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

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Throughout the Region

These conditions follow recent fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of properties and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for the coming days in areas within SA and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, delivering blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of tinder-dry land and unbroken high temperatures creates a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Global Climatic Events Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was left in darkness recently after powerful winds compromised the urban power grid, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The weather conditions also led to significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Severe damage to power systems is expected to create further issues as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Blankets Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a valley famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its grayest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by exceptional autumn rainfall that left the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and dense mist development.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Tourist Destination

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rainfall, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, strong northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several islands. The influence of the storm is expected to ease this week with more typical conditions returning.