It is another weekend washout in Mallorca but looking on the bright side, thanks to the constant rain this year, there should be plenty of water to see the island through the summer. Water reserves in the Balearics stood at 58% in February, representing an increase of seven points compared to January, when they stood at 51%, the same percentage recorded by the region a year ago.
According to a statement issued by the regional government on Saturday, the drought index for the river basin district stands at 0.521, higher than the figure recorded a year ago (0.457) and also higher than two years ago (0.464). In terms of the evolution by demand units (UD), eight have recorded increases: Menorca, Artà, Manacor-Felanitx, Migjorn, es Pla, Palma-Alcudia, Tramuntana South and Ibiza.
In contrast, Tramuntana North and Formentera have recorded decreases. The most significant increases correspond to Ibiza, Tramuntana South, Palma-Alcudia, Artà and es Pla. Currently, 44.2% of the territory — corresponding to the demand units of Formentera, Migjorn, Tramuntana Nord, Tramuntana Sud and Ibiza — is in a normal situation, while the remaining 55.8% — Menorca, Artà, Manacor-Felanitx, Palma-Alcudia and es Pla — is in a pre-alert situation.
Consequently, there are no demand units on alert in the Balearics. During February, there has been a notable change in the situation, as the Artà demand unit, which in January was the only one on alert, has now moved to pre-alert. According to data from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), February was a very dry month in the Balearics, with an average rainfall of 10.1 l/m² compared to the usual 48.2 l/m², which is approximately 80% less rain.
However, the increase in reserves highlights the effect of the rainfall recorded in previous months, which has contributed to the recovery of the aquifers. By island, rainfall was 10.1 l/m² in Mallorca, 14.1 l/m² in Menorca, 8.3 l/m² in Ibiza and 6.9 l/m² in Formentera, all well below the usual values.
Despite this, interannual rainfall in the Balearics stands at 108%, with 103% in Mallorca, 122% in Menorca and 121% in the Pitiusas.