Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Set to Hit Mallorca
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to affect Mallorca, a Spanish holiday island in the Balearic archipelago, after temperatures rise as high as 39C in northern and northeastern areas.1,8 An orange weather warning has been issued across the island, with holidaymakers and residents urged to take extreme precautions.1,8
The warning covers storm conditions expected to continue from Thursday into Friday, with torrential downpours and powerful wind gusts forecast.8 Spain's State Meteorological Agency, known as Aemet, is the national weather service responsible for the warning.2,8
What the Storm Risks Look Like
Rainfall could reach 40 litres per square metre in one hour from 8pm, creating a risk of rapid surface flooding in affected areas.1 The same warning period could bring wind gusts of about 60mph as thunderstorms move across Mallorca.1,8
Rough seas are also expected along parts of the Majorcan coastline, where winds could reach about 50mph under a separate yellow warning.1,8 Conditions at beaches, ports and exposed coastal roads may therefore change quickly as storms develop.1,8
The weather threat follows a period of intense heat, with Mallorca facing a sharp contrast between scorching temperatures and storm activity.9,10 Severe thunderstorms have already caused damage in parts of eastern Spain, while attention has turned toward the island.5
Wider Storm Alerts Across Spain
Storm warnings are not limited to this spanish holiday island. Spain has heightened weather alerts across ten regions, including Aragón, Catalonia and Menorca, where authorities have warned of severe storms and a rare rissaga event.2
A rissaga is a significant oscillation in sea level, and the Menorca alert includes the risk of intense rainfall, large hail and major changes in water levels.2 Aemet's official alert service also lists an extreme thunderstorm warning for Menorca.6
Another report described alerts across 11 regions for extreme heat, thunderstorms, intense rainfall, wind and giant hail as cooler air moved into Spain.3 The combination of heat, heavy rain and strong winds can produce rapidly changing conditions across exposed areas.3
What to Watch as Thunderstorms Set In
The most important developments will be the timing of the heaviest rain, the strength of thunderstorm gusts and the condition of coastal waters.1,8 Forecast details may vary across the island because storm cells can produce intense rainfall over a limited area.1,5
Travellers in Mallorca should monitor updates from Aemet and local authorities while the orange warning remains active.1,2 Beach visits, boat trips and journeys through areas affected by torrential rain may be disrupted as conditions worsen.1,8
Menorca and other parts of eastern Spain also remain areas to watch because official alerts include thunderstorms, hail, intense rainfall, wind and unusual sea-level changes.2,3,6 The wider pattern shows how quickly a hot holiday forecast can turn into a severe-weather situation on this popular holiday island.9,10
Check the forecast for your city before making weather-sensitive plans.