The odds are on it being a white Christmas

THE big question yesterday was ‘Are we in for a White Christmas?' as temperatures dropped and the weatherman predicted snow above 1'300 to 1'000 metres in the Balearics, despite the fact that this year has been one of the hottest ever (see story page 6). The Civil Protection department yesterday issued a weather alert because of the state of the sea.
Predictions for yesterday afternoon indicated force six winds and heavy seas.
Conditions were expected to be even more severe in Minorca, lasting until tomorrow.
The north of Majorcan can also expect high seas and winds today and tomorrow.
The maximum temperatures are also due to go down slightly with moderate rainfall in various parts of the islands.
Winds will be light to moderate, although there will be intervals of strong winds in Minorca and the north of Majorca.
The prediction for tomorrow is for cloudy or very cloudy skies with downpours which will be locally moderate, and snow above 1'300 metres initially, dropping to 1'000 metres at night. Storms can also be expected, along with a drop in temperature.
Contrary to what many visitors may think, snow is not unusual in Majorca, although it generally falls in January or February rather than at Christmas time. And it seldom settles in low-lying parts of the island, such as Palma.
However, mountain villages such as Valldemossa are regularly covered in a white blanket, and when it does snow, many people drive out from Palma just to get a closer look. And, if it is heavy enough, to build a snowman.