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Scorching conditions and intense wildfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout the Region

These conditions come after recent bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have also been activated for the coming days in parts of South Australia and NSW, as a system of high pressure moves to the east, bringing intense heat to much of the area.

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

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness recently after strong winds damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees bringing down power lines. The stormy weather also led to significant transport delays at a key airport, where numerous flights were cancelled. Substantial damage to power systems is anticipated to create further problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Mist Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a valley famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by exceptional autumn precipitation that left the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense fog formation.
• Impact: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Holiday Destination

And in Spain, a powerful storm has brought intense rain, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the system delivered some of the deepest accumulations since 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

In addition to the snow, strong winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several islands. The effect of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more typical weather returning.