Mallorca can breathe a sigh of relief: the rainfall in November has filled the island's water reservoirs from 47 % to 56 %. A development that was urgently needed in view of the drought in the summer months. And yet the question remains: are a few good weeks really enough to secure the water supply in the long term? After all, we all know how quickly the reservoirs are empty again in summer when the pools are bubbling and the gardens are sprouting.
Between rain and drought
While nine out of ten supply regions on Mallorca benefited from the rainfall, the situation on the neighboring islands of Ibiza and Formentera remains tense. With only 37 % filled water reservoirs, they are well below the Balearic average of 54 %. A welcome exception on Mallorca are the areas of Tramuntana South, Tramuntana North and Migjorn, where the pre-warning level that has been in place for months has been lifted. However, the drought warning remains in place for Artà and the Pla - a symbol that even the best rain clouds do not stop everywhere.
Normal rain, unusual temperatures
The Spanish weather service Aemet reported 83.7 liters per square meter of rainfall across the Balearic Islands in November - a value that corresponds almost exactly to the long-term average. On Mallorca, the figure was even slightly higher at 92.5 liters per square meter. Menorca, on the other hand, fell far short of the average with only 43.3 liters.
What stands out, however, are the temperatures. At an average of 16.7 degrees Celsius, they were 2.3 degrees above the usual values for November. It seems that winter in the Balearics is shifting down a gear - or has it completely forgotten about the invitation?
A look into the future
The current easing of the situation should not obscure the fact that the Balearic Islands' water resources are still under pressure. Ibiza and Formentera in particular show how fragile the balance can remain. The authorities emphasize the need to use water responsibly - an appeal that often goes unheard in dry summers.
Perhaps we should start thinking about whether the lawn in the garden really needs to be lush and green when the reservoirs are melting like ice cubes in August. Because the next drought warning is sure to come - and with it the familiar questions about sustainable solutions.
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