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Extreme heat and intense wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe heatwave warning has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout the Region

These conditions follow this month's bushfires in another state, which caused the loss of properties and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have also been activated for later this week in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing intense heat to much of the region.

The mix of extremely dry land and relentless high temperatures presents a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Global Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in blackout last week after powerful winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also led to significant transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to cause ongoing issues as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Covers Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a valley known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has endured one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on record. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The extended haze has been fuelled by exceptional fall precipitation that left soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record fall rains saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

Turning to Spain, a weather system has brought intense rainfall, strong gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While snow is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the heaviest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snowfall, fierce northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The effect of the storm is expected to ease this week with more typical conditions taking hold.