Bushfires Engulf WA as Temperatures Soar

Scorching conditions and raging bushfires 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 declared across much of the south-west.

Widespread Heatwave Warnings Across the Region

This situation come after this month's bushfires in another state, which resulted in the loss of homes and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have additionally been activated for the coming days in parts of South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure moves to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

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

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into blackout last week after powerful winds compromised the city’s electrical network, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to cause ongoing issues as service providers scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Fog Blankets Sunny Region

At the same time, a region known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that resulted in the ground waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Result: Prolonged and thick fog development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an extended period.

Storm Delivers Snow to Holiday Destination

Turning to 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 holiday destination. While snow is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce northerly winds buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The influence of the storm is expected to ease this week with more seasonal conditions taking hold.