October brought Ibiza three times its usual rainfall, but the island’s water reserves did not move. Its aquifers stood at 33% of capacity at the end of the month, the same as in September, according to the Balearic Government’s Department for the Sea and the Water Cycle.
Triple the usual rain
Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) recorded 232 litres per square metre in Ibiza, against a usual 77. Formentera had 213, almost five times its average of 44. Most of it fell between 18 and 20 October, when the storm system known as Adam crossed the islands. The Pitiusas were by far the wettest part of the Balearics, where the average was 105 litres.
Over the past twelve months, rainfall in Ibiza and Formentera is now 5% above the historical average. It was also a warm October: the Balearics averaged 20°C, 1.2°C above normal, making it the eleventh warmest since 1961.
Reserves flat, pre-alert stays
Reserves rose by one point in Mallorca and Menorca, taking the Balearic total to 37%, but Ibiza’s stayed flat. Across the islands, that is still below the 44% recorded in October last year.
Ibiza remains on drought pre-alert, like most of the Balearics. Formentera is the only area in the archipelago classed as normal, while three areas of Mallorca are on alert.
The Government expects reserves to rise in November, with no change in drought status, and is asking residents to keep using water responsibly.
