Bushfires Engulf Western Australia as Temperatures Skyrocket

Scorching conditions and raging bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the south-west.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Throughout the Region

This situation follow this month's bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of homes and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have also been activated for later this week in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure moves eastward, delivering intense sunshine to much of the area.

The combination of extremely dry land and unbroken heat presents a dangerous situation for emergency crews.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was plunged into blackout last week after powerful gusts compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also led to significant transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to create ongoing problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a region known for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended fog has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains saturated the soil.
• Result: Extended and dense fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Holiday Islands

Turning to Spain, a weather system has brought intense rainfall, powerful gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the storm brought some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snow, fierce winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The effect of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more typical conditions taking hold.