Water reserves in the Balearic Islands closed January at 51%, which represents a decrease of one point compared to December and three points less compared to the same month last year.
In the case of Ibiza, there has been a slight increase from 35% to 36%, while in Formentera the situation remains stable, although with levels considered low.
According to the Conselleria del Mar y del Ciclo del Agua, the lack of rainfall has affected the recovery of aquifers in the Pitiusas. During January, the average rainfall in Ibiza was only 21.8 l/m², well below the 46.0 l/m² that marks the historical average.
On Formentera, the situation is even more worrying, with only 17.0 l/m² compared to the usual 33.7 l/m².
A dry January with above-normal temperatures
Data from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) confirm that January has been a particularly dry month in the Balearic Islands, with an average rainfall of 36.5 l/m², far from the usual 57.1 l/m².
It was also a very warm month, with an average temperature of 12.3 ºC and a thermal anomaly of +1.7 ºC, which increased evaporation and reduced the recharge capacity of the aquifers.
At the global level, the Balearic Hydrographic District continues to show a downward trend in its reserves. The current index (0.450) is lower than last year (0.481) and two years ago (0.538), confirming the decrease in available water resources.
No improvement forecast for February
The outlook for the second month of the year is not optimistic. According to the Conselleria del Mar y del Ciclo del Agua, a significant increase in water reserves is not expected in the short term. Most of the Balearic territory continues in pre-alert, while the UD of es Pla remains the only one in a state of alert.
In Ibiza and Formentera, the drought situation persists, and the authorities insist on the importance of a responsible use of water to avoid future restrictions.
