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

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout Multiple States

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

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

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into blackout last week after strong gusts damaged the urban power grid, with toppled trees bringing down power lines. The weather conditions also led to major travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Severe damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause further problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Blankets Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by unprecedented fall precipitation that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record fall rains soaked the ground.
• Outcome: Extended and thick mist formation.
• Impact: Thermal readings remained below average for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Holiday Destination

And in Spain, a weather system has brought intense rain, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snow, fierce winds from the north swept across the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple islands. The effect of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more typical conditions taking hold.