Brits in the Spanish holiday hotspot of Majorca are being warned of changeable and extreme weather conditions this week. The latest forecast indicates the island is bracing for temperatures of 39C, alongside heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Orange Heat Warning in Force
A warning is in place today (20 August) as temperatures on the Balearic island are set to climb to 39C, but forecasters also said storms may start forming tonight and then tomorrow (21 August). According to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), the orange heat warning is in force until 7pm local time tonight in the north and north-east of Mallorca.
Aemet is also warning people that a separate warning will be in place from 6pm until midnight (local time) as thunderstorms and strong winds of up to 80km/h could hit the island. The warning is also being issued for Ibiza and Formentera.
Environmental Concerns After Storm Damage
Meanwhile, authorities are also highlighting the poor condition of the sea in the area of Es Caló d’en Pellicer and Santa Ponsa beach, in the municipality of Calvia, after a storm that struck on Wednesday night, in which four boats were damaged, local media Majorca Daily Bulletin reported.
The media also quoted Rosa Ruiz, a member of an environmental group called Mallora Neta (Mallorca Clean), as saying: "The incident is causing a serious visual and environmental impact in the area."
Ruiz added: "There is grave concern about the imminent risk of pollution from oil spills (fuel and oils) in a coastal area of high ecological and tourist value."
The group, Ruiz also said, is dedicated to “cleaning up what others wreck, and our priority is to protect the environment and marine life. Although we do this without anyone’s help, we are very committed to this cause and do it on a not-for-profit basis for the common good".
