Severe weather on Mallorca: When it really becomes critical — and what's still missing

Severe weather approaching: When it can really become critical on Mallorca

You can sense it in the air: the day before yesterday the salty sun, this morning a cutting wind that stirs olive leaves and paper scraps across the road. AEMET has issued a yellow warning for the entire island for Thursday, 6 November. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, locally hail and strong gusts are expected. For background see Severe weather alert in Mallorca: Are we prepared for the deluge?.

Why the warning is more than just a rainy day

The numbers look moderate on paper: from around 08:00 until night locally up to 20 liters per square meter, with gusts around 90 km/h in exposed areas. In practice these values are enough to flood streets, fill cellars and disrupt traffic. In Palma promenades can be affected, access roads to Alcúdia may be underwater, and in lower-lying towns like Inca or Manacor residents may have no choice but to heed flood markers. In the Tramuntana the temperature will drop noticeably and the narrow switchbacks will become slippery. Local coverage details can be found in Severe Weather Warning for Mallorca: Are Our Towns and Beaches Prepared?.

What is often missing in public debate

The discussion often stops at warnings and the usual safety tips. Three often overlooked points deserve more attention: the capacity of the sewer system during heavy rain, the location of many parking lots under old plane trees, and practical communication with guests and seasonal workers. Many town centers still have dense paving or asphalt where water can hardly seep away. Loose manhole covers and clogged drains quickly become hazards when water runs fast. Past coverage during higher alert levels discussed Orange alert in Mallorca: Why the rain exposes our weaknesses.

Concrete weak points and quick solutions

The reality at municipal level: tight budgets, lengthy funding procedures and many private houses with clogged gutters. That is no excuse, rather a call to prioritize. Short-term measures that have an immediate effect are practical and comparatively inexpensive:

- Pre-cleaning of drains and gutters. A few hours of municipal work often saves days of recovery operations.

- Temporary closures for vulnerable promenades and underground garages. Annoying barriers are better than flooded cars or stranded residents.

- Multilingual notices and pragmatic warning chains. Not every tourist or worker checks the AEMET site — a note at the supermarket or from the landlord helps.

- Tree inspections along parking areas. Loose branches from old plane trees are real risk factors in strong gusts.

What neighbors and households can do immediately

A few local actions that make a difference: secure furniture and flower boxes, lean bicycles, avoid parking cars under trees. Check gutters, dry off outdoor electrical outlets and move sensitive devices out of cellars, which often have poor drainage. A small emergency kit with a flashlight, power bank, blanket and important phone numbers is quick to assemble. And: ask your neighbor — often a joint effort is enough to prevent greater damage.

Agriculture and the water balance: blessing and risk

The rain brings much-needed water after dry months, fills reservoirs and stabilizes groundwater — a clear benefit for the island in winter. At the same time, localized heavy rain can increase erosion on fields, wash nutrients into ravines and endanger young plants. In the long term, targeted reforestation, retention areas and erosion control in catchment areas help: these are investments that pay off many times over.

What authorities must do in the short term

Short term means: activate emergency plans, keep clearing crews and fire services on standby, keep emergency vehicles accessible and preemptively close roads where ravines often overflow. In the medium term much more is needed: expansion of the sewer system, promotion of natural infiltration areas and a standardized, easily accessible warning system for residents and visitors. That requires planning, money — and political will.

Looking ahead to the weekend and a final outlook

Forecasts say the sharpest warnings could ease by Friday, but showers and isolated thunderstorms may persist into the weekend. Saturday in Palma will likely fail to reach 20 °C. Use Wednesday for last errands: a coffee outdoors, the sound of the waves in the background, before the sea becomes a bit rougher. And don't forget: rain is important for Mallorca — but preparation protects people, homes and small businesses.

We will keep monitoring and report if alert levels change. Listen to AEMET, act locally — and help your neighbors. Here on the island that is often worth more than any bureaucratic instruction. Follow ongoing coverage in Restless week in Mallorca: How well is the island prepared for heavy rain?.