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Scorching conditions and raging bushfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Broad Heatwave Alerts Throughout the Region

This situation follow this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have also been activated for later this week in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, delivering intense sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The mix of extremely dry land and unbroken high temperatures creates a dangerous scenario for emergency crews.

Worldwide Climatic Events Trigger Chaos

Elsewhere, a major city was left in blackout recently after powerful winds compromised the urban electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also led to significant travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous flights were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to create further problems as service providers scramble to restore power to more than 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Blankets Sunny Area

At the same time, a valley famed for its clear skies and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and persistent 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 haze has been fuelled by exceptional fall rainfall that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall saturated the ground.
• Result: Extended and thick mist formation.
• Effect: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Storm Brings Snow to Tourist Destination

And in Spain, a powerful storm has brought heavy rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on several locations. The effect of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more typical conditions returning.