Ibiza and Formentera are facing a significant change in weather on Wednesday, September 9, with the Balearic Government's emergency services urging residents and visitors to take precautions as heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail and strong winds move across the islands.

The Directorate General of Emergencies has activated an orange alert under the Meteobal emergency plan for rain and thunderstorms, with rainfall potentially reaching 40 litres per square metre in one hour. A yellow warning for coastal conditions has also been activated across the Balearic Islands.

AEMET expects Wednesday to be the most unsettled day of the episode, with the weather system bringing a sharp change after the warm conditions experienced across Ibiza and Formentera in recent days.

Orange Alert for Ibiza and Formentera

The orange alert covers the Pitiüsa islands during the main period of the storm, with the most difficult conditions expected on Wednesday.

The emergency authorities warn that the episode could be relatively short but potentially intense, with heavy showers and thunderstorms capable of producing hail and strong wind gusts.

The authorities are asking residents and visitors to follow official weather updates and take precautions while the warning remains active.

Up to 40 Litres of Rain in One Hour

One of the main concerns is the intensity of the rainfall.

Forecasts indicate that precipitation could reach 40 litres per square metre in just one hour.

Rainfall at this intensity can cause rapid accumulation of water, particularly in low-lying areas and locations where drainage capacity is limited.

Emergency services are therefore advising people to avoid unnecessary journeys during the worst of the weather and to stay away from areas that are vulnerable to flooding.

Thunderstorms and Hail

The storm system is expected to bring thunderstorms across Ibiza and Formentera, with hail also possible.

Because thunderstorms can be highly localised, conditions may change quickly from one part of an island to another.

A relatively calm situation in one location does not necessarily mean that nearby areas will experience the same conditions.

For that reason, emergency services are advising people to keep checking the latest official information throughout Wednesday.

Strong Winds and Rough Seas

The worsening weather will also affect the sea around Ibiza and Formentera.

AEMET's coastal forecast says winds around both islands will strengthen during the afternoon, shifting towards a northerly component and reaching force 5 to 7.

The sea is expected to build from rough to strong or very rough conditions, with showers and thunderstorms developing from the afternoon.

These conditions could affect boat trips, water sports, ferry journeys and other activities at sea.

Anyone planning to go out on the water should check the latest maritime forecasts before travelling.

A Sharp Drop in Temperatures

The weather change will also bring a notable fall in temperatures.

Emergency authorities say the arrival of the new weather system could produce a decrease of around 10°C compared with the preceding days.

The contrast is particularly noticeable because Ibiza and Formentera have experienced temperatures in the mid-30s in recent days.

AEMET's observations show that Formentera reached 36.1°C on September 7, highlighting just how warm conditions had been before the change.

Emergency Services Urge Caution

The Balearic emergency authorities are asking residents and visitors to remain alert and follow official recommendations.

People are advised to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during the worst of the storm.

• Stay away from areas vulnerable to flooding.

• Never cross flooded roads, either on foot or by vehicle.

• Stay away from torrents and drainage channels.

• Secure objects on balconies and terraces that could be blown away.

• Close and secure windows and doors.

• Avoid exposed coastal areas during periods of strong waves.

• Stay away from promenades, breakwaters and cliffs.

• Avoid water sports while conditions are dangerous.

In an emergency, residents and visitors should call 112.

Extra Caution for Drivers

Heavy rain can make driving conditions change very quickly.

Drivers are advised to reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and avoid roads affected by flooding.

Most importantly, people should never attempt to drive through floodwater when the depth or condition of the road cannot be safely determined.

Even relatively shallow-looking water can hide damaged road surfaces or strong currents.

The Coast Will Also Be Affected

The worsening conditions are not limited to the land.

AEMET's maritime forecast specifically warns of deteriorating conditions around the coastal waters of Ibiza and Formentera.

Winds are expected to strengthen during the afternoon, while the sea is forecast to become rougher, with showers and thunderstorms developing.

For anyone staying on a boat or planning a sea excursion, this is particularly important.

Boat owners should check their moorings and secure vessels appropriately before conditions deteriorate.

Wednesday Expected to Be the Most Difficult Day

According to the emergency authorities, the episode is not expected to be prolonged, but Wednesday is expected to be the most adverse day.

The maritime situation could remain unsettled into Thursday, while the wider weather situation is expected to gradually improve.

As with any thunderstorm situation, the exact timing and intensity can change, so the latest AEMET forecasts and emergency notices should be followed throughout the day.

From Summer Heat to September Storms

The timing of the weather change is particularly striking.

Just two days before the alert, Formentera recorded a maximum temperature of 36.1°C, according to AEMET observations.

Now the islands are preparing for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hail, stronger winds and rougher seas.

It is a reminder that September can bring much more changeable weather to the Balearic Islands, even after a period of intense summer heat.

What This Means for Visitors

For visitors currently in Ibiza or Formentera, Wednesday may require some flexibility.

Beach plans, boat trips, water sports and other outdoor activities could be affected by the combination of thunderstorms, rain and rough seas.

The safest approach is to check the latest official forecasts before heading out and to follow instructions from local emergency services.

The weather may improve after the main storm passes, but sea conditions can remain dangerous even after the rain begins to ease.

A Sudden Change for Ibiza and Formentera

The islands have gone from some of the hottest conditions of the late summer to an episode of potentially intense rain and thunderstorms in a matter of days.

For Wednesday, the message from the authorities is straightforward: stay informed, take precautions and avoid unnecessary risks during the worst of the weather.

With an orange warning for rain and thunderstorms and additional coastal warnings in place, Ibiza and Formentera are facing one of the most significant weather changes of the summer.