First snowfall of the year in Mallorca: Puig Major has accumulated 3 centimeters
Emergency services have activated a yellow alert for wind and waves
PalmThe peak of the sharp drop in temperatures in the Balearic Islands arrived this Friday with showers, storms, and a light snowfall in the Serra de Tramuntana and Puig Major mountains, 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 3 centimeters of snow accumulated on the summit of the Serra de Tramuntana. He also noted that the temperature plummeted to 0 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 in some areas of the archipelago, it will remain overcast 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 will likely cause rainfall 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 minimums 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.
