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Scorching conditions and raging bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Across Multiple States

This situation follow this month's bushfires in another state, which caused the loss of properties and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have additionally been activated for later this week in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure moves eastward, delivering intense heat to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and relentless heat presents a dangerous scenario for emergency crews.

Worldwide Climatic Events Trigger Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness last week after strong gusts damaged the urban electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also led to major travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial damage to power systems is anticipated to create ongoing problems as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Covers Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a region famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A particular form of fog, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a major airport below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended fog has been fuelled by exceptional fall precipitation that left the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and thick mist development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Tourist Destination

And in Spain, a weather system has ushered in heavy rainfall, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, strong winds from the north swept across the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on several islands. The effect of the storm is expected to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.