🔗 Share this article

Extreme heat and raging bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe heatwave warning has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout Multiple States

These conditions follow recent fires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of homes and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have additionally been issued for the coming days in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, delivering intense heat to much of the region.

The combination of extremely dry vegetation and unbroken heat creates a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in darkness recently after strong winds compromised the city’s electrical network, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to significant transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to create further problems as service providers scramble to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Covers Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a valley known for its clear skies and abundant sunlight has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, holding temperatures at a key transport hub under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The extended fog has been driven by exceptional fall rainfall that left the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Tourist Islands

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rainfall, strong gales and even snow to a group of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the system brought some of the deepest accumulations since 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snow, strong northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on several islands. The effect of the storm is expected to ease this week with more typical conditions taking hold.