A powerful overnight storm brought intense rain, thunderstorms and strong winds across the Balearic Islands, with Ibiza and Formentera among the areas placed under weather warnings as unsettled conditions moved across the archipelago.

The storm arrived overnight between Thursday and Friday, August 20-21, with the strongest conditions reported across several parts of the Balearics. The episode brought a sharp change from the hot and largely settled weather that had dominated the islands in recent weeks.

Ibiza Was Under a Storm Warning

Ibiza and Formentera were among the areas placed under an orange warning for storms during Thursday evening, with AEMET forecasting rainfall of up to 40 litres per square metre in one hour and wind gusts potentially reaching around 100 km/h. A yellow coastal warning was also in place for Ibiza and Formentera, with southwest winds of 40 to 50 km/h and gusts potentially exceeding 80 km/h.

The warnings were later reduced, but unsettled conditions continued into Friday, with AEMET maintaining a yellow rainfall warning across the Balearics for possible accumulations of up to 20 litres per square metre in one hour.

The Storm Brought a Dramatic Change in Weather

The storm produced a significant temperature drop across parts of the islands.

AEMET data reported by Europa Press showed that some locations experienced a fall of almost 10°C alongside very heavy rainfall. Up to seven litres per square metre fell in just ten minutes in some areas.

For Ibiza, the storm provided a striking contrast to the extreme summer heat that has affected the island and wider Balearics in recent weeks.

Friday's temperatures were expected to remain considerably cooler than during the hottest periods, with maximum temperatures across the islands generally between 31°C and 35°C.

121 km/h Gust Recorded in Menorca

The most extreme wind measurement reported so far came from Menorca Airport, where a gust of 121 km/h was recorded during the overnight storm.

That was accompanied by heavy rainfall, while gusts reached 99 km/h in Porreres and 95 km/h at Cabrera. Other locations in Mallorca recorded gusts between 70 and 76 km/h.

Menorca Airport also recorded rainfall of 13 litres per square metre, while Porreres recorded 11 litres and Sant Antoni recorded 8 litres in the reported period.

The 121 km/h measurement has led some headlines to describe the event as "hurricane-force" winds. However, that terminology needs context: the 121 km/h figure was a wind gust, not a sustained tropical-hurricane wind speed, and the storm itself was not classified as a hurricane.

Storms Continue Across Ibiza and Formentera

AEMET forecast that showers and thunderstorms could continue on Friday, with locally strong rainfall possible through the day. Ibiza and Formentera were included in the yellow rainfall warning, with possible accumulations of around 20 litres per square metre in one hour.

The weather is expected to gradually improve later on Friday, with cloud cover decreasing during the afternoon.

Saturday could still bring some showers, particularly in the south of the archipelago, before conditions become more stable on Sunday. Temperatures are then expected to rise again, with highs potentially reaching 31°C to 35°C and later increasing further during the week.

A Sudden Break From Ibiza's Summer Heat

The storm is another reminder of how quickly Mediterranean summer weather can change.

After weeks of high temperatures, the arrival of thunderstorms and strong winds brought a dramatic overnight shift across Ibiza and the wider Balearics.

For residents and visitors, the changing conditions are particularly relevant for anyone planning boat trips, beach days, outdoor events or travel between Ibiza and Formentera, as thunderstorms, strong winds and rougher sea conditions can develop quickly.

For now, the worst of the overnight storm has passed, but AEMET continues to advise caution as showers and thunderstorms remain possible across Ibiza and Formentera.