Cold in Ibiza & Formentera
On Tuesday, January 9th, a weather episode unfolds, unleashing cold in Ibiza as snowfall lasts until Thursday the 11th. The chilling impact intensifies in the Pitiusas, with minimum temperatures plummeting to 5ºC. AEMET predicts risks of wind, waves, and cold in Ibiza, in a day with lows and weak frosts in large areas of the interior of the peninsula, according to the prediction of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
Region-Specific Risks
Regions like Huesca, León, Segovia, Zamora, Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Madrid face the brunt of minimum temperatures dropping to -6ºC. Strong gusts of wind, reaching 80 km/h, put Castellón, Girona, and Tarragona on alert. Coastal areas, including Castellón, Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera, face waves at significant risk, reaching up to six meters.
AEMET’s Insight
AEMET’s forecast anticipates the withdrawal of the Peninsula from a northwestern Atlantic flow. Cloudy skies, weak rainfall, and potential snowfall are expected in various regions. The Balearic Islands may experience a Mediterranean storm, leaving cloudy intervals with probable occasional showers.
Snowfall and Temperature Dynamics
Expect significant snowfall in the Pyrenees, Cantabrian Sea, and snowy mountains at various levels. While maximum temperatures rise in the Canary Islands and the south, they decrease in the central North plateau. Minimums will increase in the Canary Islands and the south but slightly decrease in the rest, more pronounced in the northeast of the peninsula, Levante, and the Balearic Islands.
Weather Uncertainties and Scenarios
Uncertainty shrouds the forecast, particularly regarding snow levels and precipitation intensity. Likely scenarios include intense snow-shaped rainfall in the southern Iberian, east of the southern and western plateau. The snow level may drop to practically any level inside the northern half, in the center it would rise from about 600 meters to about 1,200, being somewhat higher in the rest of the southern half.
Wednesday to Thursday: Snow and Rainfall
Wednesday intensifies rainfall, possibly in the form of snow in the Cantabrian Sea, northern plateau, Iberian system, and Pyrenees. Levels may range from 400 meters in the Cantabrian Sea to about 1,000 meters in the Pyrenees. Uncertainties persist, presenting unlikely scenarios with significantly lower snow levels in the northeast quadrant and slightly lower in the rest.
Thursday’s Outlook
Thursday sees restricted precipitation in the northern and Balearic half, with less intensity than on Wednesday except in the extreme northeast and middle Ebro, where they will continue to be intense, and with the snow level rising slightly.
Temperature Fluctuations and Wind Patterns
Frosts are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday in the southern plateau, mountainous systems, and a good part of the northern peninsular half, that on Thursday they will also extend to a good part of the southern interior of the peninsula, and could be locally strong in the Cantabrian mountain range, the Iberian system, the Pyrenees, and the Central system. Daytime temperatures will also be very low, exceeding 5ºC only in the coastal areas and the Guadalquivir valley on Tuesday, being restricted to coastal areas on Wednesday and Thursday.
In addition, the east wind in the Ebro valley and in the Balearic Islands, with strong intervals on Wednesday, will accentuate the feeling of cold in Ibiza. Also, on Wednesday afternoon the wind will turn southwest in the Balearic Islands, northeast in the extreme northwest and west in the rest of the eastern third, losing intensity on Thursday except in the Balearic Islands, where it will turn north with strong intervals.
Looking Ahead: Friday and Beyond
Starting on Friday the 12th, it is most likely the entry of a warmer air mass with a reduction in the areas affected by rainfall and a rise in generalized temperatures except the minimums in the northeast third.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is a DANA?
A1: DANA stands for Isolated Depression at High Levels, a meteorological phenomenon associated with isolated low-pressure systems, often bringing adverse weather conditions like heavy rainfall and snowfall.
Q2: How does AEMET predict weather risks?
A2: The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) uses advanced forecasting models and data analysis to predict risks associated with weather phenomena, including cold, wind, and waves.
Q3: What regions are at significant risk during this weather episode?
A3: Regions such as Huesca, León, Segovia, Zamora, Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, Madrid, and coastal areas like Castellón, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Formentera are at significant risk, as per the AEMET warnings.
Q4: How can individuals prepare for the impending weather?
A4: It is advisable to stay updated on weather forecasts, follow official warnings, and take necessary precautions such as dressing warmly, securing outdoor items, and avoiding travel during adverse conditions.
Q5: What should coastal areas anticipate regarding waves?
A5: Coastal areas, including Castellón, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, should be cautious of significant waves reaching up to six meters, especially during the specified weather episode.
