Heavy rain and storms are forecast to hit the Balearic Islands, with orange alerts in place. Officials are warning of possible flooding and disruptions, and residents are advised to take precautions.
Emergency services across the Balearic Islands are warning residents to prepare for severe rain and storms expected to hit the region. Orange alerts are now active for all islands, with yellow warnings for coastal hazards in Mallorca and Menorca. The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) has issued these warnings due to the risk of heavy downpours and thunderstorms, with the worst conditions expected in the next several hours.
The Dirección General de Emergencias e Interior has asked people to take precautions, as forecasts show the weather system strengthening. The Technical Advisory Committee of the Plan Meteobal met at 11:00 to review the latest updates and coordinate monitoring. Civil protection alert levels will be updated as needed. AEMET has identified the south and west of Mallorca, along with Ibiza and Formentera, as the most at-risk areas. The north of Mallorca is expected to see less impact.
— AEMET
AEMET forecasts the first storms will reach Mallorca around 13:00 and could last into the evening. A second, stronger round of rain is expected after midnight, especially in Ibiza and Formentera, but Mallorca and Menorca may also see heavy downpours. Reports in the Spanish press say rainfall could reach 30 litres per square metre per hour in southern Mallorca, and up to 40 litres per square metre per hour overnight, raising the risk of flash floods and rapid water buildup.
Today, the south of Mallorca—including Palma, Andratx, and Llucmajor—is under an orange alert for rain and a yellow alert for storms. AEMET warns that showers could bring up to 30 litres per square metre in an hour. The Serra de Tramuntana, Mallorca’s interior, and the Llevant region are under yellow alerts, while the north is expected to be less affected. Regional media have noted that the north of Mallorca may avoid the worst of the weather.
As the front moves in overnight, Ibiza and Formentera, along with the Mallorca channel, are likely to see the heaviest rain, with some areas possibly getting up to 40 litres per square metre in an hour. Wind gusts are not expected to reach the strength of the last storm, but isolated bursts of 70 to 90 km/h are possible. Tomorrow, AEMET has raised the alert for Ibiza and Formentera to orange for rain and storms, with hourly rainfall possibly reaching 50 litres per square metre and wind gusts up to 50 km/h.
— Independent media reports
Mallorca and Menorca will also be under orange alerts for rain and storms tomorrow, though these may be downgraded to yellow from 08:00. Rainfall could reach 30 litres per square metre in an hour. Strong winds and heavy rain have triggered yellow coastal warnings for northern and northeastern Mallorca and Menorca, where waves could reach two metres and winds may hit 50 km/h. AEMET and local authorities warn of hazardous sea conditions and possible storm surges, with separate alerts for maritime safety.
With orange and yellow alerts in place, officials stress that sudden weather changes can cause flash flooding, water accumulation, and disruptions to roads and drainage. Residents are urged to follow official advice, avoid unnecessary travel, and check reliable sources before going out.
Emergency services recommend securing homes against water, closing doors and windows, removing outdoor items that could be swept away, and disconnecting electricity if flooding is likely. People should avoid basements and low-lying areas, not cross flooded zones on foot or by car, and stay away from streams, underpasses, and river mouths. Parking in flood-prone areas is strongly discouraged.
In an emergency, the public should call 112. The Technical Advisory Committee will meet again at 19:00 to review the situation as the next critical period approaches.
This escalation in the Balearics follows similar weather alerts in other parts of Spain, such as recent reports from Albacete, where authorities have also responded to severe storms.
Island communities remain vulnerable to sudden weather changes, and emergency planning is crucial. With alerts in force and officials monitoring the situation, the next hours will show how well the region can respond and keep people safe as the storm passes.
