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Scorching conditions and intense wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Across Multiple States

These conditions follow this month's fires in another state, which caused the loss of homes and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have also been issued for the coming days in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure shifts eastward, bringing intense sunshine to much of the area.

The combination of tinder-dry land and relentless high temperatures creates a dangerous scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in blackout last week after powerful gusts damaged the city’s power grid, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused major transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Substantial damage to power systems is expected to create ongoing issues as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Mist Covers Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a region known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which usually lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented fall rainfall that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains saturated the soil.
• Result: Prolonged and thick fog formation.
• Effect: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an extended time.

Storm Delivers Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination

Turning to Spain, a weather system has ushered in heavy rainfall, powerful winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the storm brought some of the deepest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snow, strong winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple locations. The influence of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more typical weather taking hold.