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Extreme heat and raging wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Across the Region

This situation come after this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of homes and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have also been activated for later this week in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing intense sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and unbroken high temperatures creates a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Climatic Events Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a metropolis was plunged into blackout recently after strong winds damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also led to significant travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Severe damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause further problems as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Blankets Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a region famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its dullest and most overcast weeks on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping the mercury 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 autumn precipitation that left soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense fog development.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed below average for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rainfall, strong winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the storm brought some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, strong winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several islands. The influence of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.