Aemet has declared a heatwave, and the weekend will be hot across most of Mallorca, with an amber warning for the south of the island and yellow warnings elsewhere.
What counts as a heatwave?
Aemet defines a heatwave as at least three consecutive days on which at least 10% of its reference weather stations record maximum temperatures above the 95th percentile of their daily summer highs, based on historical data.
In plain terms, a heatwave is declared when enough places are unusually hot compared with their own normal summer temperatures. Because the threshold is relative, it varies from place to place: what counts as extreme heat in one area may be normal in another.
That is why some places can stay relatively mild during a heatwave. On Friday, for example, Capdepera and Portocolom reached only 27.4°C.
The weekend’s warnings
- Saturday and Sunday, midday to 8pm.
- Amber warning in the south, with highs of up to 39°C.
- Yellow warning elsewhere, except the eastern tip of the island, with highs of up to 38°C.
Aemet expects the heat to last until the middle of next week.
Saturday by town
| Town | Min | Max | Sun | Mon | Tue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcúdia | 20°C | 32°C | 33°C | 33°C | 32°C |
| Andratx | 21°C | 34°C | 33°C | 33°C | 32°C |
| Binissalem | 19°C | 38°C | 38°C | 39°C | 38°C |
| Palma | 22°C | 38°C | 39°C | 34°C | 33°C |
| Pollença | 20°C | 35°C | 36°C | 37°C | 35°C |
| Sant Llorenç | 20°C | 33°C | 34°C | 36°C | 36°C |
| Santanyí | 20°C | 32°C | 33°C | 34°C | 34°C |
| Sineu | 20°C | 35°C | 36°C | 38°C | 37°C |
| Sóller | 20°C | 32°C | 38°C | 37°C | 35°C |
Why it is so hot
A mass of hot air from Africa, carrying suspended dust, and settled conditions over the western Mediterranean are keeping temperatures high. Winds are mainly from the east, and humidity will be low inland, making the heat feel harsher.
Friday’s readings
The highest temperatures were recorded in Marratxí (36.0°C), Es Capdellà (35.8°C) and at the university in Palma (35.5°C). The strongest gusts were 60 km/h on Cabrera and 51 km/h at Port de Sóller.
Staying safe
Drink water regularly, wear light clothing, avoid the sun between midday and late afternoon, use sun cream and look out for vulnerable people.
