Freak storm warning in popular Spain tourist spot - as UK bakes in 30C heat

Delays at Palma's Airport after heavy rainfalls (Image: CATI CLADERA/EPA/Shutterstock)

As much of the UK enjoys a searing summer heatwave, holidaymakers in Majorca have been hit by a freak storm that has caused flooding, flight delays and airport chaos in one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations. Brits hoping for sun-drenched beaches and poolside cocktails in the Balearic Islands instead found themselves wading through knee-deep water at Palma Airport, where torrential rain has brought operations to a standstill.

Menorca was also impacted by the sudden downpours, with storm warnings in effect across the islands. Despite the storms, temperatures in Majorca have remained unusually high, hovering around 32C.

But for many travellers, the heat has offered little consolation as holiday plans were soaked by rainwater gushing through terminal ceilings.

Shocking footage posted to social media shows saturated airport corridors, soaked passengers, and overwhelmed staff scrambling to control the damage with buckets and makeshift barriers.

The chaos has extended beyond the airport to popular tourist areas including Alcudia, Soller, and Playa de Palma, where streets and businesses were also hit by heavy rainfall.

According to local newspaper Diario de Mallorca, the flooding renewed safety concerns at Palma Airport just days after a skylight collapse narrowly missed injuring travellers.

“If a passenger had stood under the collapsed skylight, it would have been a disaster,” one shaken eyewitness said.

Multiple flights were delayed due to the storm (Image: CATI CLADERA/EPA/Shutterstock)

Air traffic control confirmed that multiple flights were held on the ground or diverted due to the storms, with delays stacking up throughout the day.

Very significant delays today at Palma Airport due to the forecast of storms affecting approach and landings,” air traffic controllers posted on X.

Balearic Government spokesman Antoni Costa called the situation “truly regrettable,” pointing to “serious deficiencies” in the airport’s infrastructure and warning that recent incidents could have led to tragedy.

Meanwhile, back in the UK, London and the South East basked in wall-to-wall sunshine, with temperatures hitting 30°C and forecast to rise to 33°C over the weekend. The Met Office predicts continued hot and dry conditions into Sunday, offering a stark contrast to the soggy scenes in Spain.