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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the south-west.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout the Region

These conditions follow recent bushfires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of homes and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for the coming days in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure moves eastward, bringing blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry land and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was plunged into darkness recently after strong winds damaged the city’s power grid, with toppled trees bringing down power lines. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Severe damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to cause further problems as service providers scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Covers Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a valley known for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that left the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record fall rains soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and dense fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed below average for an extended period.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

And in Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rainfall, strong winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the heaviest snow depths since 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snow, strong northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The effect of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more typical conditions returning.