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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures forecast to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across much of the south-west.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Across Multiple States

These conditions come after this month's fires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of homes and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for the coming days in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure moves eastward, delivering intense sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry vegetation and unbroken heat creates a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was plunged into darkness recently after strong winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous flights were grounded. Substantial damage to power systems is expected to create ongoing issues as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a region known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on record. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a major airport below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended haze has been driven by unprecedented autumn precipitation that left soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Result: Extended and thick fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an extended period.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Tourist Islands

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rainfall, strong gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the deepest accumulations since 2016 to a protected area, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, fierce winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several islands. The influence of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal weather returning.