Switzerland has been engulfed in scorching temperatures and sweaty nights since last weekend, with forecasters warning that many hot days are still to come. Here’s what you need to know about the ongoing heatwave and when it is expected to break.
Since Friday last week, the weather in Switzerland has been like an oven. Thanks to hot air from Spain and Portugal and waves of bright sunshine, the mercury has shot up to between 30 and 36 degrees celsius, with the warmest conditions reported in Ticino on Saturday.
The hot weather has also extended high into the mountains. In another statistic to fall foul of climate change, according to MeteoSuisse, on June 28, you’d have to travel to 5.211 metres above sea level to feel a temperature of zero degrees, the highest altitude ever reported since records began in 1954.
As a result, the Swiss government has issued a Level 3 warning for heat across the country, barring mountainous areas of Graubünden, the Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. This means that there is a significant risk to health due to the hot conditions.
All residents are encouraged to drink plenty of water (at least 1,5 litres a day), protect themselves from direct sunshine, avoid vigorous activity outside, contact vulnerable members of their family to make sure they are okay, allow cool air to circulate at home (during the night and early mornings) and not leave people or animals in cars unattended. The warnings will be in place until noon on July 3, though they may be extended further.
Looking ahead, barring some scattered rain and thunderstorms that may occur throughout the week, hot weather will be the norm in Switzerland moving forward. Temperatures across the country will remain between 31 and 34 degrees, with the hottest conditions expected on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
So-called “tropical nights” - when the temperature does not fall below 20 degrees at night - are also expected across the coming week. With hot days and equally sweaty nights being the norm, it will also be a prime time for a swim in a Swiss lake or river, with water temperatures in Lake Zurich and Geneva both rising above 24 degrees.
Relief is finally expected to arrive on Friday, July 4. Showers and thunderstorms will finally lead to a fall in temperature, dropping to around 26 degrees across Swiss cities and cantons. Though forecasters are still uncertain, the weekend is expected to be full of rain showers and patchy sunshine, with temperatures between 24 and 26 degrees.
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