First snowfall of the year in Mallorca: Puig Major accumulates three centimeters

PalmThe peak of the sharp drop in temperatures in the Balearic Islands arrived this Friday with showers, storms, and a light snowfall in the Tramuntana mountain range and on Puig Major, just as predicted by Aemet (the Spanish State Meteorological Agency). Albert Darder, the meteorologist in charge of the Puig Major weather station, reported that up to three centimeters of snow accumulated on the summit of the Tramuntana range. He also noted that the temperature plummeted to zero degrees Celsius during the early morning hours.

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has forecast unsettled weather for the weekend with rain, low temperatures, and the possibility of frost in inland Mallorca. This was announced by Aemet's deputy spokesperson in the Balearic Islands, Miquel Gili, who, in statements to Europa Press, also warned that coastal warnings will remain in effect on all the islands until well into Saturday, and in Menorca until Sunday. For Friday, he indicated that the sky will be partly cloudy, and overcast in some areas of the archipelago throughout the day. Rain is expected on all the islands, but especially in Mallorca and Menorca.

Gili clarified that this is due to strong north and northwest winds, which "do not favor" precipitation and would cause it to decrease throughout the day. Maximum temperatures will be lower in Mallorca and Menorca, with thermometers reaching 12 or 13 °C, while in the Pitiusas Islands they could reach 15 °C. Early Saturday morning there could be some light rain with a drizzle, but the sky will clear as the morning progresses, becoming partly cloudy in Ibiza and Formentera. The wind will blow in the same direction and intensity as the previous day, but will ease off throughout the day. This will keep temperatures low, with maximums similar to Friday's, but minimum temperatures in inland Mallorca could approach 0 °C, so there could be some frost. Coastal areas will still remain between 10 and 11 °C.

As for Sunday, another front of clouds will arrive, potentially bringing light and occasional rain to Menorca and northern Mallorca. The wind will shift to a moderate westerly, although there could be strong gusts. This will cause temperatures to rise slightly, ranging between 16 and 18 °C, although minimum temperatures will remain low, between 0 and 8 °C, so some frost is possible.

Regarding coastal phenomena, the northerly wind is causing swells averaging around two meters, but waves of up to four and five meters have been recorded at the Dragonera buoy. Therefore, warnings for coastal phenomena and wind will remain in effect until Saturday afternoon or Sunday.