The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a statement anticipating a high impact weather phenomenon that will affect Ibiza and Formentera and also the rest of the Balearic Islands and the Mediterranean areas of the Peninsula. According to the AEMET, a mass of cold air from northern Europe will begin to move southwestward in the coming hours, reaching the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands next Tuesday, which will cause a generalized drop in temperatures and a significant increase in instability. The public body warns that this cold mass could isolate and form as a DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) or a cold squall around the Mediterranean or southern peninsular from Wednesday, November 13, remaining in the region until Saturday 16. The first heavy rains are expected on Tuesday in the Balearic Islands and on Wednesday in the peninsular Mediterranean.
Heavy and persistent precipitation
The AEMET has explained that the humid flow from the eastern Mediterranean will increase the likelihood of heavy and persistent rainfall in the Balearic Islands, the north of the Valencian Community and the coasts of Catalonia. These rains could accumulate between 80 and 100 mm, with local peaks above 200 mm. Snow is also expected to make an appearance in the mountain systems, with levels that could rise progressively as the episode progresses. Although the heaviest rainfall will mainly affect the Balearic Islands and the north of the Valencian Community, the agency does not rule out heavy rains extending to areas of the Cantabrian, Murcia and the center of the peninsula. However, the AEMET warns that there is still some uncertainty about the exact position of the low pressure, which could alter the distribution and intensity of rainfall.
Rainfall forecast through Saturday
If forecasts are confirmed, the most affected areas will accumulate significant amounts of precipitation, especially in areas such as the Balearic Islands, the north of the Valencian Community, and the coasts and pre-coastal areas of Catalonia. The rainfall event could last until Saturday, according to AEMET estimates, and constitutes a potential meteorological risk that could generate problems in areas prone to flooding.
