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Extreme heat and raging bushfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been issued across much of the south-west.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Across Multiple States

These conditions follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of properties and fatalities. Intense heat alerts have also been issued for the coming days in parts of South Australia and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure moves to the east, delivering intense sunshine to much of the region.

The mix of extremely dry land and unbroken high temperatures presents a volatile situation for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Trigger Chaos

Elsewhere, a metropolis was plunged into darkness recently after strong gusts damaged the city’s power grid, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused significant transport delays at a major airport, where numerous air services were cancelled. Substantial impact on electrical infrastructure is anticipated to create ongoing problems as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Blankets Sunny Area

Meanwhile, a region famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunshine has endured one of its dullest and most overcast weeks on recorded history. A particular form of fog, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The extended haze has been driven by exceptional autumn rainfall that left soils saturated.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
• Result: Extended and thick mist development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

And in Spain, a powerful storm has brought intense rainfall, strong winds and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this popular tourist spot. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the storm delivered some of the deepest snow depths since 2016 to a protected area, compelling its temporary shutdown.

In addition to the snowfall, fierce winds from the north swept across the archipelago, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on several locations. The effect of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more typical weather returning.