The weather in Mallorca has been erratic this year as any local campesino would testify should you care to ask him.

However, I dare say that one of the regular features of weather patterns in Mallorca is about to make an appearance within the next two weeks or so, if not even today or tomorrow: La gota fría. The ‘cold drop’ is an annual phenomenon in the Mediterranean region at this time of year, a torrential downpour caused by very cold air passing over the much warmer sea. The gota fría phenomenon is associated with extremely violent downpours and storms and can produce flash floods, hail and even snow.

The gota fría usually makes an unfailing appearance after the first week of September, but this year being what it is, some weather patterns seem to have advanced by a week or two. La Gota Fría website predicts a drastic change in the weather situation within the next 36 to 48 hours and an influence of cold air from the Atlantic. You have been warned.

I am sorry to say that I do not have a photo of a gota fría in Mallorca of my own, even though I have experienced more than a good dozen or so of them over the last twenty years. This photo was taken by miggim3 in Almuñecar, Granada, Spain. The date: September 21st, 2007. Muchas gracias.