🔗 Share this article Wildfires Engulf Western Australia as Thermal Readings Skyrocket Scorching conditions and raging bushfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. With mercury levels forecast to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been declared across a large portion of the southwestern region. Broad Heatwave Alerts Across the Region This situation follow this month's bushfires in New South Wales, which caused the destruction of properties and fatalities. Intense heatwave warnings have also been activated for the coming days in parts of SA and NSW, as a ridge of high pressure shifts eastward, delivering intense heat to much of the area. The mix of extremely dry land and relentless high temperatures presents a volatile situation for emergency crews. Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in darkness last week after powerful winds damaged the urban electrical network, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused significant travel disruption at a key airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial damage to electrical infrastructure is expected to create ongoing issues as service providers scramble to reconnect electricity to over 1 million inhabitants. Atypical Mist Covers Sunny Region Meanwhile, a valley known for its sunny weather and abundant sunlight has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast weeks on record. A specific type of low cloud, which usually lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping temperatures at a major airport below 8C for over a week – the longest such streak in more than three decades. The extended fog has been fuelled by unprecedented autumn rainfall that left the ground waterlogged. Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the soil. Result: Prolonged and dense fog development. Impact: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an lengthy time. Severe Weather Brings Wintry Weather to Holiday Islands And in Spain, a weather system has ushered in intense rain, strong gales and even snow to a group of islands – conditions many would not associate with this popular tourist spot. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at elevated areas, the storm brought some of the heaviest accumulations since 2016 to a national park, compelling its temporary shutdown. In addition to the snow, fierce winds from the north buffeted the archipelago, with wind gusts reaching 50mph recorded on multiple islands. The effect of the storm is forecast to diminish this week with more seasonal weather taking hold.