Switzerland braces for 36C as second heatwave of 2026 arrives

After a short-lived hiatus from record-breaking temperatures in Switzerland, the second heatwave of 2026 is on its way. Temperatures are expected to reach 36 degrees celsius this week. 

Temperatures to peak at 36 degrees across Switzerland 

Following a week of cooler temperatures and violent thunderstorms, the weather in Switzerland is heating up again. 

Starting Tuesday, July 7, maximum temperatures will begin to rise, reaching 31 to 36 degrees in several cities, according to SRF Meteo. The second heatwave to hit Switzerland this year is expected to last into next week. 

Between July 7 and 12, nighttime temperatures will also rise, offering limited respite from the heat. In most cities, lows will reach between 16 and 23 degrees. Lugano will be particularly humid, and nighttime lows will sit between 20 and 23 degrees. 

In fact, a level 3 heat warning is already in place in Ticino, as Watson reports that it has “never been so hot in Locarno” this Sunday just gone. With most schools now on summer break and families heading off on road trips, anyone travelling south may want to take precautions against the heat.

Severe drought and water restrictions

The continued warm, dry weather has resulted in the country “desperately need[ing] rain”, continues SRF Meteo. A level 4 drought warning is in place across much of Switzerland, and residents may face restrictions on water use. The government’s National Drought Platform provides an overview of the current situation in each canton, or you can check with your local authorities to see if any restrictions apply to where you live. 

Unfortunately, there’s very limited possibility of showers during the week. By the weekend, “the chance of showers will increase slightly”, but only isolated rain can be expected in the lowlands and Swiss cities. 

Switzerland “shaken” by several drownings

The recent heat led many to Switzerland’s lakes and rivers in an attempt to cool off. Unfortunately, this led to “several fatal swimming accidents” which have “shaken Switzerland”, reports Blick. 

The incidents took place across the country, in the river Reuss, the river Aare and Lake Geneva, and the youngest victim was just 5 years old. Statistics from the Swiss Lifesaving Society (SLRG) found that it is often more likely for young men to drown due to their “risk-taking behaviour”. Children are also at higher risk.

While swimming becomes very tempting when it’s so hot, “If you do this with an overheated body, it can trigger a stress reaction,” explained Christoph Merki from the SLRG. “The sudden cooling leads to a constriction of the blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the muscles and thus disrupts circulation. This promotes sudden, painful muscle cramps or cardiovascular problems." 

The SLRG shares several tips for families on how to enjoy swimming safely, along with simple, easy-to-remember rules whether you’re swimming in a lake or river or freediving. Take a look here.