The Balearic Islands have experienced the hottest August in recent history? The data say yes
The archipelago registers a thermal anomaly of 2.7 ºC and precipitation has been 55% lower than usual
PalmaThe Balearic Islands have registered the warmest August since 1961 this year, with an average temperature of 28.3 ºC and a thermal anomaly of 2.7 ºC, according to data from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). The organization describes the month as extremely warm and points out that all islands have recorded temperatures above average.
The highest maximum temperature in the archipelago was reached in Pollença, with 41.9 ºC. In Ibiza, Sant Joan de Labritja reached 39.2 ºC, while in Menorca, Cala Galdana registered 37.9 ºC, and in Formentera, 35.3 ºC were reached.
Average monthly temperatures have broken records in almost the entire archipelago. Among the places where unprecedented values have been recorded are Palma, Mur, Sineu, Capdepera, Ciutadella, Es Mercadal, and Sant Antoni de Portmany.
A sleepless August during the night
The heat has also been particularly noticeable during the nights. Aemet highlights that August has been marked by numerous torrid and tropical nights. Torrid nights are considered those in which the minimum temperature does not drop below 25 ºC, while tropical nights are those in which it does not drop below 20 ºC.
In fact, numerous points in the Balearic Islands have registered tropical nights throughout the month, including Banyalbufar, Sóller, Pollença, la Colònia de Sant Pere, Son Servera, Formentera, and Es Mercadal.
Torrid nights have also increased considerably. Municipalities such as Palma, Sóller, Capdepera, Ciutadella, and Pollença have registered more than half a month with a minimum temperature equal to or higher than 25 ºC.
The highest nocturnal minimum in Mallorca was recorded in Banyalbufar and Capdepera, with 28.2 ºC. In Menorca, Ciutadella reached 27.2 ºC; in Ibiza, Vila registered 26.8 ºC, and in Formentera, 27.4 ºC were reached.
55% less rain
Regarding precipitation, August has been dry, with an average of 9.6 liters per square meter, 55% less than usual. Mallorca was the island where it rained the most, with 8.8 liters per square meter, although this amount represents 58% less precipitation than usual. The rain was concentrated mainly in the areas of Porreres and Manacor.
In Menorca, precipitation has been 62% lower than usual, with the airport being the point where the most water was collected. In Ibiza, the deficit reached 70%, with Sant Antoni de Portmany being the municipality where it rained the most.
Formentera was the island with a more moderate decrease in precipitation, 25% compared to the usual average.
Regarding wind, the records have generally been normal. There were only one or two episodes of strong wind during the month. The maximum gust, of 121 kilometers per hour, was registered at the Menorca airport station.