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Extreme heat and intense bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to continue 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 Multiple States

This situation come after this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of homes and fatalities. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for later this week in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure moves eastward, delivering intense heat to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of extremely dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in darkness last week after powerful winds compromised the city’s electrical network, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused major travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were grounded. Severe impact on power systems is expected to create further problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a valley famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunlight has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast weeks on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lingers for only a few days, has been unusually extensive and persistent this year, keeping the mercury at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by exceptional autumn rainfall that resulted in the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains soaked the ground.
• Outcome: Prolonged and dense fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an lengthy period.

Storm Delivers Snow to Holiday Islands

And in Spain, a powerful storm has brought heavy rain, powerful winds and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, strong winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The influence of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more typical weather taking hold.