After several days of warm, spring-like conditions, the weather in Switzerland is set to make a sharp left turn back into the depths of winter. Double-digit temperatures are expected to make way for icy winds and a return of snow to Swiss cities.
Over the last few days, you’d be forgiven for thinking that we had skipped over the frozen evenings of January and February and were already in the ides of March. On January 8, the mercury across the cantons rose to between 9 and 12 degrees celsius, with the snowline soaring to 2.000 metres above sea level.
However, spring-like temperatures are now expected to come to a close. Conditions will remain wet throughout Thursday, with scattered clouds crossing the country accompanied by a strong southwesterly wind of up to 90 kilometres per hour. The snowline will also drop back down to 1.000 metres.
On Friday, temperatures are expected to fall further, to between -8 and freezing in the Swiss mountains, and between 2 and -2 degrees in lower areas. As a result, cities like Bern, Zurich, Aarau, Lucerne, Zug and St. Gallen should receive a dusting of snow, starting in the afternoon. Speaking to 20 Minuten, meteorologist Peter Wick predicted that Zurich could see up to 10 centimetres of snowfall.
The two urban areas that will miss out on the snowfall are Lugano - areas south of the Alps will continue to enjoy Mediterranean conditions of up to 10 degrees - and Lausanne and Geneva where rain is more likely. There is also a chance that a wave of warm air will rain on our parade, which could make the snow quite short-lived.
Regardless, Switzerland will be well and truly consigned to the ice box from Saturday, when temperatures will start to fall even further. This will be accelerated by an ice cold wind, which will blow through on Sunday. Scattered sunshine and temperatures of between 2 and -5 degrees are forecast in Swiss cities on January 12.
As we move into the weekend, drivers have been advised to watch out for snow and ice on the roads. Avalanche warnings also remain in place across the Alps. More information can be found on the Swiss Natural Hazards Portal.
From the beginning of next week, very sunny but freezing cold conditions are forecast to continue nationwide. This freezing sunshine will dominate next week, making it a perfect time to head to ski resorts to carve some powder.