Understanding Heat Waves in Mallorca

What Aemet Says About a Heat Wave

The Spanish meteorological agency (Aemet) defines a heat wave as a period of at least three consecutive days when 10 % or more of its weather stations record a maximum temperature above the 95th percentile of their daily highs for July and August, based on data from 1971‑2000.
In plain terms: if enough stations are unusually hot compared to their own long‑term summer averages, the agency calls it a heat wave.

Why the Percentile Matters

Using a percentile means the threshold changes from place to place. A coastal town might need to hit 38 °C to be considered extreme, while an inland spot could reach the same label at 35 °C. This approach captures local variations instead of applying one flat number across the whole island.

Current Situation on Mallorca

Even though a heat wave has been declared, some areas stayed relatively cool on Friday. For example, Capdepera and Portocolom only reached 27.4 °C, well below the 30 °C mark.
Aemet expects the hot conditions to persist through the middle of next week.

Heat Alerts for the Weekend

• Saturday & Sunday: Alerts cover the whole island except the eastern tip.
• Timing: Noon to 8 p.m. each day.
• Levels:
  • Amber in the south (possible highs up to 39 °C).
  • Yellow elsewhere (possible highs up to 38 °C).

Friday’s Highlights

• Highest temperatures: Marratxi 36.0 °C, Es Capdellà 35.8 °C, Palma University 35.5 °C.
• Coolest spots: Son Torrella (Escorca) 15.2 °C, Lluc 17.2 °C.
• Wind gusts: Up to 60 km/h over Cabrera, 51 km/h at Port Soller.

What’s Driving the Heat?

An influx of African dust is lingering in the atmosphere, and the wind is mainly from the east. Even with breezy conditions, a mass of hot air from Africa combined with settled weather over the western Mediterranean keeps temperatures high. Daytime humidity is expected to stay low, especially in the interior, making the heat feel more intense.

Breeze Scale (for reference)

• Light breeze: up to 11 km/h
• Gentle breeze: 11‑19 km/h
• Moderate breeze: 19‑28 km/h
• Fresh breeze: 28‑38 km/h

Saturday Forecast (as of Friday 4 p.m.)

• Alcudia: Low 20 °C → High 32 °C; moderate east breeze easing to light; humidity 40 %. 3‑day outlook: Sun 33 °C, Mon 33 °C, Tue 32 °C.
• Andratx: Low 21 °C → High 34 °C; fresh east breeze easing to moderate; humidity 25 %. Outlook: Sun 33 °C, Mon 33 °C, Tue 32 °C.
• Binissalem: Low 19 °C → High 38 °C; moderate east breeze easing to gentle; humidity 20 %. Outlook: Sun 38 °C, Mon 39 °C, Tue 38 °C.
• Palma: Low 22 °C → High 38 °C; moderate east breeze; humidity 20 %. Outlook: Sun 39 °C, Mon 34 °C, Tue 33 °C.
• Pollensa: Low 20 °C → High 35 °C; moderate east breeze easing to gentle; humidity 40 %. Outlook: Sun 36 °C, Mon 37 °C, Tue 35 °C.
• Batons (likely a typo for a local spot): Low 19 °C → High 36 °C; moderate east breeze easing to gentle; humidity 30 %. Outlook: Sun 37 °C, Mon 39 °C, Tue 39 °C.
• Saint Lawrence: Low 20 °C → High 33 °C; moderate east breeze; humidity 45 %. Outlook: Sun 34 °C, Mon 36 °C, Tue 36 °C.
• Santanyi: Low 20 °C → High 32 °C; fresh east breeze easing to moderate; humidity 40 %. Outlook: Sun 33 °C, Mon 34 °C, Tue 34 °C.
• Sine: Low 20 °C → High 35 °C; moderate southeast breeze easing to gentle east; humidity 25 %. Outlook: Sun 36 °C, Mon 38 °C, Tue 37 °C.
• Soller: Low 20 °C → High 32 °C; fresh southeast breeze easing to moderate; humidity 15 %. Outlook: Sun 38 °C, Mon 37 °C, Tue 35 °C.

Staying Safe and Comfortable

• Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Wear lightweight, light‑colored clothing and a hat when outdoors.
• Seek shade or air‑conditioned spaces during the peak hours (12 p.m.–8 p.m.).
• Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply every two hours.
• Keep an eye on friends or family members who might be more vulnerable to heat.

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Images Credit: www.majorcadailybulletin.com