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Scorching conditions and intense wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures forecast to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the south-west.

Widespread Heatwave Alerts Across the Region

This situation follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of properties and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for the coming days in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure moves eastward, delivering blazing sunshine to much of the area.

The combination of extremely dry vegetation and relentless high temperatures presents a dangerous situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Climatic Events Trigger Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in blackout last week after strong winds compromised the urban power grid, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused significant transport delays at a major airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to create further problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to over 1 million residents.

Unusual Fog Blankets Sunny Region

Meanwhile, a region famed for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has endured one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably widespread and persistent this year, keeping temperatures 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 driven by exceptional fall rainfall that left soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record fall rains soaked the soil.
• Result: Prolonged and thick mist development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an extended time.

Storm Delivers Snow to Tourist Destination

And in Spain, a weather system has brought intense rainfall, powerful gales and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at higher ground, the system delivered some of the heaviest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

Alongside the snowfall, fierce winds from the north swept across the island chain, with wind gusts exceeding 50mph observed on several locations. The influence of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more seasonal conditions returning.