First snow of the season forecast to fall on Swiss cities

Following a brief spell of warm temperatures, freezing conditions and snow are expected to return to Switzerland next week. MeteoNews has forecast that Swiss cities could see their first snowfall of the season on November 21.

Spring-like weather dominates Swiss weather (but not for long)

For the next few days, the weather in Switzerland is expected to feel like it's on the cusp of spring rather than winter. On November 15, the mercury across the cantons should hover around six degrees celsius. In areas like Valais and Ticino, balmy temperatures of up to 11 degrees are forecast.

At the weekend, people living at lower altitudes should see fog and double-digit highs. Those hoping for a good tan should head to the Swiss mountains, where bright sunshine and 11 to 13-degree heat will be the norm on Saturday and Sunday above 800 metres above sea level.

Wintery conditions on their way to Switzerland from November 19

However, MeteoNews’ Peter Wick predicted that the weather will soon "change completely”. Thanks to the retreat of a high-pressure area over the Atlantic, Switzerland should brace for icy-cold winds, rain, snowfall and low temperatures throughout the week beginning November 19.

Starting at between four and 11 degrees on Tuesday, the mercury in the cities will drop quickly, falling to around five degrees on Wednesday and to near freezing from Thursday onwards. Heavy rain and strong winds of up to 90 kilometres per hour will be the order of the day on Tuesday, before calming down (briefly) on Wednesday.

First snow of the season heading to Swiss cities

Then, in news that will delight children and kids at heart living in the lowlands, snowfall could finally be coming to Swiss cities on November 21. As it stands, MeteoNews forecasts that the first flakes could fall in Bern, Geneva, Zurich and St. Gallen.

Initially, the snow falling over the lowlands will not settle, but from Friday Wick predicted that the snowline could “sink rapidly” with the arrival of a possible winter storm. There’s good news for Swiss ski resorts, as throughout the week a bountiful layer of snow is expected to fall at higher altitudes.

Though long-term forecasts should be taken with a pinch of salt, further snowfall in the cities is also possible on Saturday, November 23. Conditions are expected to remain bright but cold on Sunday.