Jorge Rodríguez, deputy spokesperson for the Aemet in the Balearic Islands, says that in just one week more rain has fallen in Ibiza than is normally recorded during the entire month of January.
Ibiza is experiencing an unusually unsettled January, marked by persistent rainfall, strong wind gusts and rough sea conditions — an uncommon scenario for an island more accustomed to relatively stable winters. The situation has led many residents and maritime professionals to wonder whether this is an isolated episode or part of a new climate pattern.
Throughout the month, a succession of storms has brought rainfall totals well above average, along with severe sea conditions that have complicated navigation. To better understand what is happening, why the Balearic Islands are being particularly affected and what may be expected in the coming weeks, Rodríguez explains the atmospheric factors behind this especially wet and windy January.
Q: This year it has been very rainy and windy in Ibiza. What is causing this situation?
A: We are experiencing a very active atmospheric pattern. Throughout January there has been a succession of storm systems forming over the sea, which is resulting in this highly unstable weather.
Q: From a scientific point of view, what specific meteorological phenomenon is behind it?
A: These storms are being generated in the North Atlantic and are closely linked to the position of the jet stream, which largely determines the weather across much of Europe. At present, this current is positioned further south than usual, which favours the formation and movement of these storm systems towards south-western Europe.
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