Palma.Winter is forecast to arrive with a bang next Thursday with temperatures predicted to drop by between 4ºC and 7ºC this weekend as a violent cold front sweeps across the country.
Yesterday, parts of Northern Spain were on red alert with winds peaking at 180 kilometres per hour forcing flight cancellations.
Here in the Balearics, we were on level one orange alert for gale force winds and that will remain in place until midday today.
But, as the winds gradually subside over the weekend, it is the sharp fall in temperature which is going to be the main factor.
Warning
Yesterday, Civil Protection issued a nationwide warning for people to be extra careful over the next few days because of the adverse weather which is going to lash the country.
Come Tuesday, conditions are forecast to improve but we could be in for a white Christmas.
The first snowfall is predicted for today in Majorca at above 1'000 metres and tomorrow, the snowline will descend as low as 800 metres as further snow falls are forecast for next week as we near the Christmas weekend.
Maximum temperatures in the Balearics are going to fluctuate from between 14ºC and 17ºC but it is overnight when temperatures are going to fall the most.
Tuesday night will be one of the coldest next week with a minimum of 7ºC forecast for Palma but up in the Tramuntana mountains, in particular Lluc, temperatures could drop below freezing.
Care and attention
Drivers are being advised to make sure that their tyres, antifreeze and brakes are in good order and drive with due care and attention until the weather warnings are lifted.