🔗 Share this article

Extreme heat and intense bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe heatwave warning has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout Multiple States

This situation come after this month's bushfires in another state, which resulted in the destruction of properties and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have also been issued for the coming days in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing blazing sunshine to much of the area.

The combination of extremely dry vegetation and relentless heat presents a volatile scenario for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness recently after strong gusts damaged the city’s power grid, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to significant transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to create ongoing problems as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Covers Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a region known for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A particular form of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub under 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by unprecedented fall precipitation that resulted in the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an extended period.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in Spain, a weather system has ushered in heavy rain, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, strong northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on several locations. The effect of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal weather returning.