Bushfires Engulf WA as Thermal Readings Soar

Scorching conditions and raging bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major alert for extreme heat has been declared across a large portion of the southwestern region.

Broad Extreme Heat Warnings Across Multiple States

These conditions follow recent bushfires in another state, which caused the loss of homes and loss of life. Intense heat alerts have also been issued for later this week in parts of SA and New South Wales, as a system of atmospheric pressure moves eastward, delivering blazing sunshine to much of the region.

The mix of tinder-dry vegetation and unbroken heat presents a volatile scenario for firefighters.

Worldwide Climatic Events Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a major city was left in darkness recently after strong gusts damaged the urban power grid, with toppled trees knocking out electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused major transport delays at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were cancelled. Severe damage to power systems is anticipated to create further issues as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.

Atypical Fog Covers Typically Clear Area

At the same time, a region known for its clear skies and abundant sunlight has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on record. A specific type of low cloud, which typically lasts for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and persistent this year, keeping temperatures at a key transport hub under 8C for more than a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The prolonged haze has been driven by unprecedented autumn precipitation that resulted in soils waterlogged.

• Key Factor: Record fall rains soaked the ground.
• Result: Extended and thick fog development.
• Effect: Temperatures remained below average for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Tourist Destination

And in Spain, a weather system has brought heavy rainfall, strong gales and even snowfall to a group of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm delivered some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snow, strong northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple islands. The effect of the weather event is expected to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.