On May 12, 2025, Majorca experienced an intense and unusual weather event that left both tourists and locals in shock.
A freak hailstorm struck the Spanish island, disrupting the usual sunny and warm atmosphere and causing widespread damage.
Renowned tourist spots, especially in Porto Cristo, were hit hard as the skies opened up and huge hailstones blanketed beaches, turning golden sands into icy white landscapes in a matter of minutes.
Hailstorm Hits Majorca’s Popular Resorts and Towns
The hailstorm didn’t just affect the beaches—it also wreaked havoc across several municipalities.
Areas like Manacor, Sant Llorenç, and Sa Pobla were among the worst affected, with large portions of the island struggling to cope with heavy rain and rising floodwaters.
As the storm rolled in, both holidaymakers and residents scrambled for cover.
Shocking footage shared on social media showed hotel patios and private properties being battered by hailstones, shattering furniture and tiles as people took refuge indoors.
Weather Warnings and Record-Breaking Rainfall in Manacor
In response to the severe conditions, Spain’s state weather service, AEMET, issued yellow weather warnings for Majorca and Menorca.
The warnings were based on the extreme rainfall—up to 50 liters per square meter fell in just 30 minutes in Manacor, sparking flash floods across the island.
Parts of Majorca remained under the threat of more rain, with predictions of between 60 and 70 liters per square meter in the coming hours.
These storms were caused by a rare meteorological phenomenon known as a “DANA.”
Understanding the DANA Phenomenon and Its Impact
A DANA, or “Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos,” is a weather system that forms when a cold air mass detaches from the jet stream over the Atlantic and interacts with warmer air over the Mediterranean.
This clash results in unstable conditions, often causing torrential rain, violent hailstorms, and rapid flash floods.
Such systems can move slowly, dumping significant amounts of water and hail over a single area in a short amount of time, as witnessed across Majorca.
Previous Storms and Damage in Spain: A Pattern of Destruction
This storm follows closely after similar downpours struck the Valencian region in eastern Spain.
In just the last few months, the region has experienced devastating floods, with the infamous “cold drop” event in October 2024 leaving over 230 people dead.
The storm’s aftermath was still felt in Valencia, where hailstones the size of golf balls caused extensive damage to vehicles and properties.
The locals’ ability to cope with these weather events is tested repeatedly, especially given Spain’s infrastructure challenges during extreme floods.
A Pattern of Flash Flooding Across Europe
The severe weather in Spain is not isolated but part of a broader trend of increasing climate extremes across Europe.
In 2024, Europe faced its most extensive flooding since 2013, with devastating effects on regions like Spain.
At least 335 people lost their lives, and more than 410,000 individuals were affected by the floods.
Storms, like those seen in Majorca, are among the costliest weather phenomena in Europe, with damages exceeding €18 billion in 2024 alone.
Europe’s Climate Crisis: Rising Temperatures and Severe Weather Events
The storm in Majorca highlights the ongoing climate crisis that is impacting Europe.
In 2024, the continent experienced its warmest year on record, with temperatures rising around 1.3 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
This warming trend has resulted in more frequent and intense weather events, from heatwaves in southeastern Europe to flooding in the west.
Major storms, like the one that hit Central Europe in September 2024, are becoming more common, further illustrating the urgent need for climate action.
As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, the frequency of devastating storms, floods, and heatwaves is likely to rise.
In Spain, where the infrastructure is often ill-equipped for such sudden weather changes, the challenges are becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
These events are not just a wake-up call for the region but a signal of a broader global shift that requires urgent attention.