Snow falls in sunny Mallorca
20cm of snow in the Tramuntana and cold temperatures down to -5
Snow fell over the island yesterday on what was the coldest day of the year so far. While it's not unusual for the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range to be snow-capped in winter, it's less common for snow to fall across the plains and along the coast. The iciest temperatures were registered in the south, with Campos feeling the bite early in the morning at just -2 degrees.
The snowflakes have so far failed to stick in the capital and Palma residents say it doesn't compare to the impressive fall of 2012 which turned their beaches white. However, more snow could well be on its way.
Beyond Palma it's a different story, with mountain villages and towns including Valldemossa, Sóller and Fornalutx offering a very snowy and picturesque panorama. Heavy snow blanketed roads, vegetation and even sheep throughout the area!
While excited photographers took advantage of the refreshing scenery, those needing to travel had to face several road closures. Reportedly there are six in total including routes from Palma to Valldemossa (Ma-1110) closed from S'Esglaieta, Bunyola to Alaró (Ma-2100), as well as Caimari-Lluc (Ma-2130) which connects with the Monastery of Lluc (Ma-2140) and Sa Calobra (Ma-2141). Several schools were also suspended in some localities among them Deià, Bunyola, Escorca, Esporles, Puigpunyent and Selva.
Fierce winds of up to 100km raced through the Tramuntana and also in the north and north-east of the island and there is an orange alert in place.
Fortunately, temperatures will start to creep up towards the end of the week. Last year, winter was warm and balmy, which is perhaps why the current cold and snow has evoked such a sense of wonder and sent everyone reaching for their cameras. Or perhaps snow always has that effect. There's certainly something magical about it!
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