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Scorching conditions and intense wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Warnings Throughout Multiple States

These conditions come after this month's bushfires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of homes and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for the coming days in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure shifts eastward, delivering intense sunshine to much of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry land and unbroken heat presents a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Climatic Events Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in blackout recently after strong winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Severe damage to power systems is expected to create further problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a region known for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has endured one of its dullest and most overcast weeks on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by exceptional fall rainfall that resulted in soils waterlogged.

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

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Islands

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rainfall, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snowfall, strong winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on several islands. The effect of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more typical weather taking hold.