Bushfires Engulf WA as Temperatures Skyrocket

Extreme heat and raging wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout the Region

This situation come after recent fires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of properties and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have also been issued for later this week in areas within SA and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing heat to much of the region.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and unbroken heat presents a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in darkness recently after strong gusts damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also led to significant transport delays at a major airport, where numerous flights were grounded. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to cause 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 valley famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest periods on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The extended fog has been driven by unprecedented fall rainfall that left soils saturated.

• Key Factor: Record autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Result: Extended and thick fog development.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy period.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Islands

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has brought heavy rain, powerful winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unheard of at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snowfall, fierce northerly winds swept across the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several islands. The influence of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more typical conditions taking hold.