World weather

Wildfires continued to rage in southern California on Thursday, fuelled by high temperatures and brisk winds fanning the flames.

Heavy snow blanketed Colorado on Monday, including Denver, where around 20cm of snow fell. Despite the wintry blast, summer-like sunshine will lift temperatures to 25C this weekend.

Severe thunderstorms spawned a number of tornadoes across the US Plains on Sunday, killing at least 17 people and leaving a trail of damage.

A severe sandstorm hit north west China on Wednesday, turning day into night and reducing visibility to near zero in some areas. Strong winds knocked down power lines and trees, causing traffic chaos.

Stormy weather battered New Zealand with heavy rain, gales and flooding early on Friday, causing road closures, power cuts and landslides. This was the moment a tree was blown over in Nelson.

A second earthquake in 24 hours hits Rutlands in the Midlands with scores of reports including “shaking buildings”. Were you shaken or stirred?

Sandstorms swept across parts of north west China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on Thursday, reducing visibility and leading to the suspension of school classes. Travel was also affected.

The Atlantic coast of Canada has been hit by a spring blizzard, with heavy snowfall and strong winds. The wintry weather has led to treacherous travel, as well as closing many schools and businesses.

Paris has made public transport free this weekend, in an attempt to tackle high levels of air pollution that have prompted warnings to be issued.

Sydney was hit by a severe storm on Wednesday, causing travel delays during the evening commute. This time lapse video shows storm clouds and lightning rolling in across the harbour.

A snowstorm has hit the north east of the US, causing widespread disruption, including the cancellation of more than 3,000 flights. Central Park in New York had 28cm of snow and Philadelphia 34cm.

South eastern states of Australia are continuing to swelter in a heatwave that has seen temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

One person is believed to be dead and more than 40 homes have been destroyed by a bushfire that hit the Perth Hills region of Western Australia on Sunday, where temperatures have soared above 40C.

The polar vortex is causing hazardous weather conditions across the north eastern United States. But what is the polar vortex? Our Weather Presenter Liam Dutton explains.