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

Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout the Region

This situation come after this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of homes and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have additionally been activated for the coming days in areas within SA and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, delivering blazing heat to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Climatic Events Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into blackout last week after strong gusts compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also caused significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause ongoing issues as service providers work urgently to restore power to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Covers Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a region famed for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest periods on record. A particular form of fog, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented autumn precipitation that left soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains soaked the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick mist formation.
• Impact: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

Turning to Spain, a weather system has brought heavy rain, powerful winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snowfall, strong winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several locations. The effect of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more typical conditions returning.