Emergency services across the Balearic Islands are warning residents to prepare for severe rain and storms expected to hit the region. Orange alerts are active for all islands, while yellow warnings cover coastal hazards in Mallorca and Menorca. The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) issued the warnings because of the risk of heavy downpours and thunderstorms. The worst conditions are expected in the coming hours.
The Dirección General de Emergencias e Interior has urged 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, as well as Ibiza and Formentera, as the areas most at risk. The north of Mallorca is expected to be less affected.
AEMET forecasts that 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, although 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. That would raise the risk of flash floods and rapid water buildup.
Today, the south of Mallorca, including Palma and the municipalities of 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. Yellow alerts cover the Serra de Tramuntana and the Llevant region, as well as Mallorca’s interior, while the north is expected to be less affected. Regional media have also reported that the north of Mallorca may avoid the worst of the weather.
As the front moves in overnight, the heaviest rain is likely in Ibiza and Formentera and across the Mallorca channel, with some areas possibly receiving up to 40 litres per square metre in an hour. Wind gusts are not expected to match 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. Hourly rainfall could reach 50 litres per square metre, with wind gusts up to 50 km/h.
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; Menorca is also covered. Waves could reach two metres, while 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 warn that sudden weather changes can cause flash flooding and water accumulation, disrupting roads and drainage. Residents are urged to follow official advice and avoid unnecessary travel. They should check reliable sources before going out.
Emergency services recommend protecting homes from water by closing doors and windows. Remove outdoor items that could be swept away, and disconnect electricity if flooding is likely. People should avoid basements and low-lying areas, and never cross flooded zones on foot or by car. Stay away from streams and river mouths, as well as underpasses. 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 elsewhere in Spain, including recent reports from Albacete, where authorities have also responded to severe storms.
