🔗 Share this article

Extreme heat and raging bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Throughout Multiple States

These conditions follow recent fires in another state, which caused the loss of properties and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have also been issued for later this week in parts of South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves eastward, delivering blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The mix of tinder-dry land and relentless heat creates a volatile scenario for emergency crews.

Global Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was left in darkness recently after powerful winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused major transport delays at a major airport, where numerous flights were cancelled. Substantial impact on power systems is expected to cause further problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Blankets Sunny Region

At the same time, a region famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast periods on record. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by unprecedented fall precipitation that resulted in the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional fall rains saturated the soil.
• Result: Prolonged and dense mist development.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed below average for an lengthy time.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

Turning to Spain, a weather system has brought heavy rain, powerful winds and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the system brought some of the heaviest accumulations since 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snow, fierce winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several islands. The effect of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more typical weather taking hold.