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Scorching conditions and intense bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the south-west.

Broad Heatwave Warnings Across Multiple States

This situation follow this month's bushfires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of properties and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have also been issued for later this week in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts eastward, bringing blazing heat to much of the region.

The mix of extremely dry vegetation and unbroken heat creates a dangerous scenario for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness last week after powerful gusts damaged the city’s power grid, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also caused significant transport delays at a major airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to create ongoing problems as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a valley famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has endured one of its grayest and most overcast periods on record. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding temperatures at a major airport below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in over three decades. The prolonged haze has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that left soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Result: Prolonged and dense fog formation.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed unseasonably low for an extended period.

Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

Turning to Spain, a weather system 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 unheard of at higher ground, the system delivered some of the heaviest snow depths since 2016 to a national park, forcing its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snow, fierce northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more typical weather returning.