Storm warning for Mallorca: Ten-meter waves and freezing nights expected

A cold front brings strong north winds, gusty conditions and locally meter-high swells — especially along the island's north and northeast coasts caution is advised.

Pick up, pack away, stay off the beach

This morning I was briefly on the Passeig Marítim — bags in hand, the wind tugged at my umbrella — and I immediately thought: Beach walk? Definitely not. A new cold front is moving across the island, and weather warnings are now in effect through Thursday, 27 November. The strongest gusts are expected in the north and northeast, where winds can locally increase to 70–80 km/h.

What is happening on the coast

The sea will be rough. Boats should stay ashore or be securely moored — waves are expected in places to reach up to ten meters. Those who live near marinas or promenades may already have heard the first agitated surf sounds. For freighters and ferry services this often means restrictions: schedules could be disrupted.

Wet, cold and occasionally dangerous

The cold front also brings showers, at times thunderstorms and isolated hail. Especially on Tuesday and Wednesday, heavier showers are possible in the north; in the south the sun will occasionally reappear. The snow line will temporarily drop to around 1,000 meters, so the Tramuntana mountains could get white peaks.

Daytime highs on the island will mostly be between 15 and 18 °C, sometimes lower. Nights will be noticeably colder: with values between 2 and 9 °C nights are below the long-term average. For Palma, only around 3 °C is forecast for the night from Tuesday to Wednesday — don't forget your jacket.

Where to be cautious

Orange and yellow warning levels apply especially to coastal sections in the north and northeast; see Storm Alert: Orange Warning for North and Northeast — What Mallorca Residents Should Know Now and Yellow Warning on the North Coast: Wind, Waves — and What We Should Really Pay Attention To for specific guidance. Keep children away from steep waves, keep dogs on a leash — and watch out for falling branches if you park under trees.

The current forecast comes from Storm warning in Mallorca: Is the island prepared for wind and rain?; local adjustments are possible, so keep an eye out: radios, weather apps or municipal announcements provide hourly updates.

Improvement in sight — slowly

From Friday the gusts should ease and light sunshine return. It will become a bit milder, but frosty nights will still be possible in sheltered valleys. Until then: avoid unnecessary car trips during strong gusts, secure loose objects and take the situation on the coast seriously. I'm going to put away my balcony chairs anyway — the wind here almost blew one chair onto the street this morning.

Stay cautious — and look twice before heading to the coast.