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Extreme heat and raging wildfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across much of the south-west.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Throughout the Region

This situation follow this month's bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of homes and fatalities. 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 a broad swath of the region.

The combination of tinder-dry land and relentless heat creates a dangerous scenario for emergency crews.

Global Climatic Events Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a major city was left in darkness recently after powerful winds damaged the city’s electrical network, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also led to significant travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled. Substantial damage to power systems is anticipated to create further issues as service providers scramble to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Covers Typically Clear Region

Meanwhile, a valley known for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on recorded history. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and persistent this year, holding temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented autumn precipitation that resulted in soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall soaked the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and dense fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Tourist Islands

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rain, strong winds and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the heaviest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, strong winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph observed on multiple locations. The influence of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more typical weather returning.