Though 2024 will be known by most as a year of dark clouds, rain and poor weather in Switzerland, it has now been revealed that it was the third hottest year since records began. According to experts at MeteoNews, all but two months were hotter than average.
According to the official data, temperatures in Switzerland in 2024 were an average of 1,4 degrees celsius higher than the long-term average between 1991-2020, making it the third hottest year since records began in 1864. Only 2022 (+1,7 degrees) and 2023 (+1,5 degrees) were warmer, completing a three-year stint of high temperatures.
Temperatures were above the long-term average throughout 2024, the most extreme of which was in February when the mercury was around 4,7 degrees higher than normal. Swiss cantons only saw normal average temperatures in May and September.
Further highlighting the fact that weather is not climate, despite the higher average temperatures, 2024 is seen by most as a poor year for weather in Switzerland, especially if you’re a fan of sunshine and swimming in lakes. MeteoNews noted that 7,8 percent more rain fell in 2024 compared to the long-term average, with some places like Canton Zurich and areas of Valais, Thurgau and Ticino seeing up to 100 percent more.
However, the rainfall itself was not evenly distributed; the months of March, May and September were very wet, while August and November were too dry. Nationally the wettest month was March, with over 70 percent more rainfall than usual, while August was the driest at 39,4 percent less than average.
Switzerland also saw a dearth of sunshine in 2024, 11 percent less than usual. MeteoNews noted that in March, May, June, September and October, the sun shone 25 percent less than usual. On the flip side, the sunniest month was November, which saw 47,2 percent more sun than average.
With the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service confirming that 2024 was the warmest year on record worldwide, the impact of human-caused climate change is now being felt more deeply. Data from the United Nations found that 26 of 29 analysed weather events like storms and floods are now more intense thanks to climate change. At the same time, Switzerland is seen as the country most at risk of a rise in “uncomfortably hot days”.
“Every fraction of a degree of warming matters, and increases climate extremes, impacts and risks,” World Meteorological Organisation head Celeste Saulo told UN News. Organisations worldwide have called for more action by governments to tackle the problem, and for media organisations to better highlight the role climate change has to play when covering severe weather events.
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