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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures forecast to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Across the Region

These conditions come after this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of homes and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for the coming days in parts of SA and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, delivering intense heat to much of the region.

The mix of tinder-dry land and relentless high temperatures creates a dangerous scenario for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was plunged into blackout last week after strong winds damaged the urban electrical network, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Substantial damage to power systems is expected to cause further issues as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Typically Clear Region

At the same time, a valley known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The extended haze has been driven by exceptional autumn rainfall that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

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

Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Islands

And in Spain, a weather system has ushered in intense rainfall, powerful gales and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snow, strong northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple locations. The influence of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more typical conditions returning.