The night of St. John is expected to be marked once again by unusually high temperatures in the Balearic Islands. Palma will experience another tropical night between June 23 and 24, with low temperatures not dropping below 22 or 23 degrees, according to forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). Even in the early morning, temperatures will remain close to 28 degrees, extending a persistent heat wave that has been affecting the entire archipelago since the beginning of the week.
The tropical night phenomenon, which is becoming increasingly common during the summer months, occurs when the temperature does not drop below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) during the night. In addition to disrupting sleep, these conditions are one of the main indicators of prolonged heat waves, especially when combined with high daytime maximum temperatures.
In this context, the capital of the Balearic Islands is about to celebrate the Feast of Saint John with maximum temperatures expected between 33 and 36 degrees and partly cloudy or clear skies. The wind will be light or calm, blowing from the east during the night, while coastal breezes are expected in the afternoon, which will have a limited effect on the heat index.
Temperatures in the interior of Mallorca could reach 39 degrees.
Beyond Palma, heat will remain the main feature in the Balearic Islands. On Monday, Aemet is maintaining an orange alert for high temperatures in the interior of Mallorca, where in some areas temperatures could reach 39 degrees Celsius during the afternoon.
The rest of Mallorca, as well as Menorca and the Pitiüses Islands, remain under a yellow alert for high temperatures. In these areas, maximum temperatures could reach between 36 and 38 degrees, marking the continuation of a heat wave expected to last for much of the week.
Forecasts also suggest that this situation will continue. The interior and southern parts of Mallorca and the Pitiüses Islands will remain under a yellow alert on Tuesday during the hours of peak solar intensity, while on Wednesday the alert level will remain in effect in several areas of Mallorca.
The heat doesn’t let up, not even at night.
The high minimum temperatures recorded in recent hours reflect the intensity of the heat wave. In Mallorca, temperatures have not dropped below 25 degrees in Banyalbufar and at the Capdepera lighthouse. In Menorca, Es Mercadal recorded a low of 22 degrees, while Formentera remained at 24 degrees and the Ibiza airport recorded a low of 21 degrees.
This thermal behavior is one of the main causes for concern during heat waves and prolonged periods of heat, as it reduces the body’s ability to recover during the night and increases the risk for the most vulnerable people.
Emergency services have kept the Meteobal plan in effect.
Given the persistence of high temperatures, the General Directorate of Emergencies has maintained the orange alert (IG-1 of the Meteobal Plan) in Mallorca and the yellow alert in the rest of the archipelago.
Authorities recommend avoiding prolonged sun exposure during the midday, staying well-hydrated, and paying special attention to children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions.
So, as the Balearic Islands prepare for one of the most iconic nights on the festive calendar, the heat will once again be the star of the celebrations, with temperatures showing no signs of dropping until dawn.