Bushfires Engulf Western Australia as Temperatures Soar
Extreme heat and raging wildfires have devastated the dry landscape of Western Australia. As temperatures expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across a large portion of the southwestern region.
Broad Extreme Heat Alerts Throughout Multiple States
These conditions come after this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of homes and loss of life. Severe heatwave warnings have additionally been activated for the coming days in areas within South Australia and New South Wales, as a system of high pressure moves to the east, delivering intense heat to a broad swath of the region.
The combination of extremely dry land and unbroken high temperatures creates a volatile situation for firefighters.
Worldwide Weather Extremes Cause Disruption
In another part of the world, a major city was left in blackout last week after strong gusts damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees knocking out electricity cables. The stormy weather also caused major transport delays at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Severe impact on power systems is expected to cause further issues as service providers scramble to reconnect electricity to more than 1 million residents.
Atypical Mist Blankets Sunny Area
Meanwhile, a region known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine has experienced one of its grayest and most overcast periods on record. A particular form of fog, which typically lingers for only a short time, has been remarkably widespread and long-lasting this year, holding temperatures at a key transport hub below 8C for over a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The extended fog has been fuelled by exceptional fall rainfall that left the ground saturated.
- Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall saturated the ground.
- Result: Extended and thick mist formation.
- Effect: Temperatures remained unseasonably low for an extended period.
Storm Brings Wintry Weather to Tourist Destination
Turning to Spain, a weather system has ushered in heavy rain, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not connect with this popular holiday destination. While wintry precipitation is not unknown at higher ground, the storm brought some of the heaviest snow depths in 2016 to a national park, compelling its closure.
In addition to the snowfall, strong winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with gusts reaching 50mph recorded on several islands. The effect of the weather event is forecast to ease this week with more seasonal weather returning.
