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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout the Region

These conditions follow this month's bushfires in another state, which resulted in the loss of properties and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have also been issued for later this week in parts of SA and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, bringing intense heat to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of extremely dry land and unbroken high temperatures creates a volatile situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Climatic Events Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into blackout last week after powerful gusts damaged the urban power grid, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused major travel disruption at a major airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to cause further issues as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Blankets Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on record. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended haze has been driven by unprecedented fall rainfall that left the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick fog formation.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Holiday Islands

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has brought intense rainfall, powerful winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, strong northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple islands. The influence of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more typical weather returning.