A popular Spanish island is set for snow, rain and strong winds this weekend, adding to a recent six-week-long stretch of wet and cold weather at the destination
A popular Spanish island is set for snow and and storms, in the latest spell of bad weather to hit there.
According to the State Meteorological Agency, Aemet, Majorca in Spain, is set to have snow this Saturday on the peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, in addition to cloudy spells, heavy showers and thunderstorms.
According to Miquel Gili, Aemet’s deputy spokesman in the islands, snow is expected to fall at elevations of 1,000 metres or higher due to anticipated precipitation in these areas on Saturday morning. Miquel added that this snowfall is expected to be light.
Earlier forecasts suggested that there will be more intense snowfall, but updated weather models have found that it will now be less significant than first thought.
The forecast for Saturday also predicts cloudy spells, with the occasional heavy rain shower and thunderstorm. Clear skies will emerge in the afternoon and into the evening. Temperatures are expected to drop, with the high not anticipated to go over 15C, which is below average for the time of year. Winds will also be moderate from the north, including strong gusts at times, however this will ease to light westerly winds later in the morning.
Majorca has experienced rain across five weekends in the past six weeks, and the Aemet forecast suggests that rainfall may return this weekend as well. María José Guerrero, Aemet’s delegate and spokesperson in the Balearic Islands, explained that the recent weather is linked to an anticyclone positioned over the British Isles, which is causing storm fronts to move freely towards Spain.
Meteorological experts at Meteored added that a high-pressure system near Iceland is diverting squalls towards Spain, reports Majorca Daily Bulletin. Following heavy rain in the eastern regions, the western part of the peninsula is now expected to be impacted, as the Icelandic blockage drives low-pressure systems and cold air southward. This will bring rain, snow and chilly temperatures across the country.
Weather models are also currently suggesting that rain could last until at least March 23, however it is supposed to lessen from Sunday March 16 onwards. Average weather in Majorca for this time of year ranges from 12C to 18C, as the region transitions from winter to spring. Rainfall can be around 11-35 mm over five to six days.
In addition, there is a 54 per cent chance of a sunny day on the island, with an average of seven to eight hours of sunshine per day. It still is a little too chilly for swimming, with the average sea temperature sitting at 14C. Humidity also remains high at 73 per cent.
Snow is not a regular occurrence on the island, however, it does happen particularly in the Sierra de Tramuntana — a mountain range, which runs southwest–northeast and forms the northern backbone of the island.
