On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the picturesque island of Mallorca faced a series of severe weather events that left many residents and visitors astonished. The day began with heavy rains and thunderstorms, particularly affecting the mountainous region of Serra de Tramuntana. One of the most notable incidents occurred in the municipality of Puigpunyent, where a spectacular hailstorm blanketed the town, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland.
Reports indicate that the hailstorm deposited up to four fingers of ice on the streets, creating an unusual scene just days before the onset of Holy Week. Local meteorological authorities, including Meteo de les illes, shared images of the icy streets, showcasing the dramatic impact of the weather.
In addition to the hail, a striking waterspout, known as a 'cap de fibló,' formed in the bay of Palma early in the morning, captivating onlookers with its swirling beauty. This phenomenon, accompanied by numerous lightning strikes, was captured by many residents, adding to the day's dramatic weather narrative.
The entire Balearic Islands were placed under a yellow alert due to the adverse weather conditions. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) warned that heavy rains could lead to accumulations of 20 to 30 liters per square meter within just one hour, with potential for small hail accompanying the storms throughout the archipelago.
According to Aemet, the weather forecast for Palma on this day included cloudy intervals with light rain from dawn until 6:00 AM, transitioning to stormy conditions with light rain persisting into the afternoon. The day was expected to end with clearer skies, providing a brief respite from the tumultuous weather.
Temperatures across the island were also affected, with a general decrease expected. The maximum temperature was projected to reach around 17 degrees Celsius, while the minimum would not exceed 10 degrees, though the perceived temperature would feel closer to 11 degrees due to wind chill. Winds from the northwest were expected to prevail throughout the day.
As the day progressed, the forecast for the following days suggested a slight improvement. On Thursday, April 17, 2025, residents could expect cloudy intervals from dawn to noon, with a gradual reduction in cloud cover post-midday. Highs were anticipated to be around 19 degrees Celsius, with lows dipping to about 8 degrees. The weather on Friday, April 18, 2025, was predicted to be largely dry, with temperatures remaining stable.
Looking ahead to the weekend of April 19-20, 2025, the weather is expected to remain cloudy, with light rain forecasted for Saturday and a very overcast Sunday. Maximum temperatures will reach up to 22 degrees Celsius, with minimums around 14 degrees. However, by the end of the weekend, highs are expected to drop slightly to 19 degrees, while minimum temperatures will remain relatively unchanged.
In light of the recent weather events, local authorities and emergency services have been working diligently to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The Guardia Civil de Tráfico and emergency response teams have been deployed to clear ice from roads in Puigpunyent, ensuring that access remains safe for all.
This unexpected weather has drawn attention not only for its severity but also for its timing, occurring just before the busy Holy Week period, a time when many tourists visit the island. The impact on travel and local businesses is yet to be fully assessed, but the community remains resilient in the face of nature's unpredictability.
As Mallorca navigates through these turbulent weather conditions, residents are reminded to stay informed through local weather updates and heed any warnings issued by authorities. The unique beauty of the island, often characterized by its sunny skies and warm temperatures, has been momentarily overshadowed by this remarkable meteorological event.
