Extreme heat and intense bushfires have swept through the dry landscape of Western Australia. With temperatures forecast to persist soaring above 40C (104F) over the coming days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the southwestern region.
Broad Heatwave Warnings Across the Region
This situation come after recent fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the destruction of homes and loss of life. Intense heatwave warnings have additionally been issued for the coming days in parts of SA and NSW, as a ridge of atmospheric pressure shifts to the east, bringing blazing heat to much of the area.
The combination of tinder-dry land and unbroken high temperatures creates a dangerous scenario for firefighters.
Worldwide Climatic Events Trigger Disruption
In another part of the world, a metropolis was left in blackout recently after powerful gusts damaged the urban power grid, with falling trees bringing down electricity cables. The weather conditions also caused major travel disruption at a major airport, where hundreds of air services were grounded. Substantial impact on power systems is expected to create further problems as utility companies work urgently to reconnect electricity to over 1 million residents.
Atypical Fog Blankets Typically Clear Area
At the same time, a valley known for its clear skies and plentiful sunlight has endured one of its dullest and most overcast periods on record. A particular form of low cloud, which typically lingers for only a few days, has been remarkably extensive and long-lasting this year, holding the mercury 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 exceptional fall rainfall that left the ground waterlogged.
- Key Factor: Exceptional autumn rainfall soaked the soil.
- Outcome: Extended and thick mist development.
- Effect: Thermal readings stayed unseasonably low for an extended period.
Severe Weather Delivers Snow to Holiday Destination
And in Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in heavy rain, strong winds and even snow to a set of islands – conditions many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While snow is not unknown at higher ground, the storm brought some of the deepest snow depths in 2016 to a protected area, forcing its temporary shutdown.
In addition to the snow, fierce northerly winds buffeted the archipelago, with gusts reaching 50mph observed on multiple islands. The effect of the weather event is expected to diminish this week with more typical conditions taking hold.