It may officially still be autumn but it feels like winter has arrived in spectacular style in Mallorca.
On Thursday, the northeast resort/port of Cala Ratjada suffered a freak hailstorm. It left the place looking as though a significant amount of snow had fallen. With COP26 happening in Glasgow, it seemed like a timely example of the sort of freak weather events we should expect more often in future.
Storm ‘Blas’ Brings a Winter Blast
Today, Mallorca is being battered by Storm ‘Blas’. Mallorca and Menorca are on orange alert for winds of up to 100km an hour and 14m waves. The Spanish Met Office – AEMET – says it’s possible the storm’s core has the characteristics of a tropical or sub-tropical cyclone.
It’s time to winter-proof the house, as best we can in an old property. I’ve taken down the cream sheers at our three sets of French windows and hung the thermal-lined winter curtains. I’ve also put back the rug on the tiled floor of the Library, where I do my writing; cold feet do not aid creativity in winter in Mallorca.
The duvet and electric blanket are back on duty, and it won’t be long before The Boss fires up the Jotul wood-burning stove – our main source of heat in the winter months. Our next job is to hitch up the trailer and go to the town of Porreres, to buy logs. But are we going out on a day like today? We are not.
November Can Be Quite Different
Facebook likes to remind its users of posts from previous years. Today, I noted that on this very date in 2015 my brother Steve was staying with us for a short break. The photos I shared on Facebook back then included one of Steve on a steamer chair on the terrace, clad in shorts and T-shirt and reading a book in warm sunshine. Others showed the BBQ ready to make our lunch, and Steve and The Boss paddling in the Mediterranean at beautiful Colònia de Sant Pere. Six years on, there’ll be nobody paddling in the sea around Mallorca today …
©Jan Edwards 2021
Hi Jan, You can tell its winter when the cats make every attempt not to go outside. Doing pretty much the same as you- hunkering down for winter. I have to mention – Innovation comes to immigration. The sea is way too rough for boat crossing so what to do.. Buy a plane ticket, fake an illness and when it lands make a run for it. That is an absolute classic. Full marks for forward thinking.
You’re right about the cats, John. I’ve had Shorty in our kitchen window space (deep recess) for most of the day. He won’t come in the house, but is happy to sit and look in (and wait for little snacks to arrive). Yes, the story about the Moroccan flight and the illegal immigrants was astonishing. With today’s weather, the escapees are probably wishing they’d stayed home!!
Wow Jan it just shows the weathers crazy and unpredictable everywhere!
Isn’t it just! Been incredibly windy here this weekend too.