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Extreme heat and raging wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across a large portion of the south-west.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout the Region

This situation come after recent fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of homes and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have also been issued for later this week in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a system of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing sunshine to much of the area.

The combination of extremely dry land and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous scenario for emergency crews.

Worldwide Climatic Events Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness recently after powerful winds damaged the city’s power grid, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also led to significant travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause further issues as utility companies scramble to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a valley known for its clear skies and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its grayest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented fall rainfall that resulted in soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and thick mist development.
• Impact: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an extended time.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Islands

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the storm brought some of the deepest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, strong northerly winds swept across the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on several locations. The effect of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal weather returning.