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Extreme heat and raging wildfires have devastated the parched landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a major heatwave warning has been declared across much of the southwestern region.

Widespread Extreme Heat Warnings Across Multiple States

These conditions come after this month's fires in another state, which resulted in the loss of homes and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have also been activated for the coming days in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, delivering intense sunshine to much of the area.

The combination of tinder-dry land and unbroken heat presents a volatile situation for firefighters.

Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption

In another part of the world, a major city was plunged into blackout last week after powerful gusts damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The stormy weather also caused major travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Severe damage to power systems is expected to cause ongoing problems as utility companies scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million inhabitants.

Atypical Fog Blankets Typically Clear Area

Meanwhile, a valley famed for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has endured one of its grayest and foggiest weeks on record. A particular form of fog, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably widespread and persistent this year, holding temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in more than three decades. The prolonged fog has been driven by unprecedented autumn precipitation that left soils waterlogged.

• Primary Driver: Record autumn rainfall saturated the soil.
• Outcome: Extended and thick mist development.
• Effect: Thermal readings stayed below average for an lengthy time.

Severe Weather Brings Snow to Tourist Islands

Turning to Spain, a weather system has brought heavy rain, strong gales and even snow to a group of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system delivered some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a national park, forcing its closure.

In addition to the snow, fierce northerly winds buffeted the island chain, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal conditions taking hold.