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Scorching conditions and intense bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels forecast to persist climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe heatwave warning has been issued across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Across Multiple States

These conditions come after recent bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the loss of homes and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for later this week in parts of South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure shifts to the east, bringing intense sunshine to a broad swath of the area.

The combination of extremely dry vegetation and unbroken heat presents a volatile scenario for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness last week after powerful gusts damaged the urban power grid, with toppled trees bringing down power lines. The weather conditions also caused major travel disruption at a major airport, where numerous flights were cancelled. Severe damage to power systems is anticipated to create ongoing problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Mist Covers Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a valley known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and most overcast periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which usually lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, holding temperatures at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by exceptional fall precipitation that resulted in the ground saturated.

• Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains saturated the ground.
• Result: Prolonged and dense mist development.
• Effect: Temperatures stayed below average for an extended time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Holiday Islands

Turning to Spain, a weather system has ushered in heavy rain, powerful winds and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, 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 buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The influence of the storm is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions taking hold.