Severe Weather Warning: Mallorca to Brace for Heavy Rainfall

Stormy Weather Approaches: What the Island Should Know Now

When I walked through Palma this afternoon, the sky looked as if it could burst open at any moment. Not a pleasant feeling when thinking about the narrow streets and the underpasses. Meteorologists on the Balearics are now giving clear indications: heavy showers, local flooding and strong thunderstorms – especially overnight into Tuesday and on Tuesday itself.

Warning Levels and Timeline

Already on Monday parts of the island were under a yellow warning between about 12:00 and 18:00. The actual intensification is expected on Tuesday, when the nationwide alert level is set to Orange. Forecasts expect the warning to stay active until early Wednesday morning (around 7:00).

How bad can it get?

Experts expect locally very high rainfall amounts: model calculations show values of up to around 140 liters per square meter within a few hours in particularly affected regions. Practically, that means streets can flood quickly, water in basements, and problems in the urban drainage system are possible.

Why now?

The cause is a combination of a cool upper-level flow and a surface low over the Balearics. Added to this is a still comparatively warm sea – currently around 27 degrees – which enriches the air with moisture and makes thunderstorm cells more powerful.

What you should do

A few practical tips, not only for tourists: Do not park cars in deep parking bays, avoid rivers and Rambla beds during heavy rain, do not drive through flooded underpasses and secure balcony and terrace furniture. If possible, schedule appointments around or postpone coastal walks.

Also a short drop in temperature is coming: Highs are expected to fall on Tuesday by 5–6 degrees and then be around 24–26 °C. From Wednesday it eases gradually, with further showers, but they should weaken during the day. On Thursday a lull is expected, the sun comes through more often, but local afternoon showers remain possible.

I will check the coast again tonight – the wind already smells different. If you notice something unusual in the next hours, report it preferably to the local police or civil protection. Better to be safe than surprised by a wet one.