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Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to continue climbing above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across much of the south-west.

Widespread Extreme Heat Alerts Across the Region

This situation come after this month's bushfires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of properties and loss of life. Severe heat alerts have additionally been issued for later this week in areas within SA and New South Wales, as a ridge of high pressure moves to the east, bringing intense sunshine to a broad swath of the region.

The combination of extremely dry land and relentless high temperatures creates a dangerous scenario for emergency crews.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Chaos

In another part of the world, a metropolis was plunged into blackout recently after strong gusts compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused major travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous air services were grounded. Severe impact on power systems is anticipated to create ongoing problems as service providers work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants.

Unusual Mist Covers Sunny Region

At the same time, a valley famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has endured one of its dullest and foggiest weeks on recorded history. A specific type of fog, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been unusually widespread and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport under 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented fall rainfall that resulted in the ground saturated.

• Primary Driver: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Prolonged and thick fog formation.
• Impact: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an lengthy time.

Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination

Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rain, strong gales and even snow to a set of islands – weather many would not connect with this favored holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest accumulations since 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown.

Alongside the snow, strong northerly winds swept across the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The influence of the storm is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal conditions returning.