Switzerland is set to face a wave of spring-like temperatures by the end of this week. The last few weeks have also seen an early start to the pollen season, much to the dismay of hay fever sufferers.
According to MeteoSchweiz, the weather in Switzerland is expected to become unseasonably warm over the next few days. A warm foehn wind will send the mercury skywards, hailing an early (though temporary) arrival of spring.
By Thursday, temperatures will increase to between 10 and 15 degrees celsius. Highs of 17 degrees are possible in valleys through the mountains, while ski resorts over 2.000 metres above sea level will bake in seven-degree heat, making it feel like the country is in the throws of April rather than the chill of February.
The front of warm weather comes as children across a number of cantons break for school holidays. Friday and the weekend will see bright sunshine and warm conditions across the Alps, meaning snowmelt is likely in low-lying ski resorts.
If you've been beset with a runny nose and red eyes in the last few weeks, it probably isn’t a winter cold: MeteoNews has reported that the 2025 pollen season has already taken hold. Since late January the first hazel and alder trees have bloomed, species which are considered to have “high allergy potential” due to the large amount of pollen they produce.
With double-digit temperatures forecast consistently across the weekend, forecasters expect a significant rise in pollen levels. Alongside making unseasonably warm temperatures more likely, MeteoNews noted that climate change will make the pollen season longer and more severe in future, as plants are given a greater window to produce pollen and tend to produce more when put under temperature stress.
Those affected by hay fever are advised to take preventative measures such as wearing sunglasses, airing their homes and washing their hair daily. Taking prescribed or over-the-counter medication such as antihistamines is also advised. Ash will follow the alder and hazel pollen at the beginning of March.
Luckily for those headed to the Alps for skiing or already sneezing into their handkerchief, spring-like temperatures are not expected to last long. The beginning of next week will see colder conditions and rainfall take hold - which could lead to fresh snowfall in the mountains. In cities, temperatures will fall from between 13 and 16 degrees on Monday to between 9 and 10 degrees on Tuesday. This pattern will continue into March.