Heatwave warnings are lifted in almost all of Switzerland; electricity prices are expected to fall again in 2027; plus other news in our roundup this Tuesday.
Heatwave warnings are lifted in almost all regions of Switzerland
The 12-day heatwave (which somehow seemed much longer) has come to an end on Monday north of the Alps and in Valais, according to MeteoSwiss weather service.
Temperatures in those regions will reach a maximum of between 26C and 31C in the coming days – way down from 38C on average last week,
However, the heatwave is still in effect south of the Alps, and it is expected to continue until Friday.
The relief is likely to be short-lived, though: extremely hot weather could return as early as next week.
Electricity prices are expected to fall again in 2027
Good news for Swiss consumers: households will be able to benefit from a further drop in electricity prices in 2027, despite continuing tensions in the Middle East.
The Association of Electricity Companies reported on Monday that this positive development is due to improved supply conditions.
Among the 35 suppliers who already have concrete figures for 2027, prices for private households will decrease by between 3 and 6 percent on average.
Swiss trust their public institutions more than residents of other OECD nations
A study published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on Monday looked into where among its 38 member states confidence in public institutions is highest.
In terms of trust in a national government, 62 percent of Switzerland’s population said yes – putting the country ahead of other ‘trusting’ nations like Iceland (59 percent). Norway (57 percent), and Luxemburg (55 percent).
Swiss cows could soon be wearing electric shock collars instead of bells
MP Ernst Wandfluh from the Swiss People’s Party is calling for virtual fences to be permitted in Switzerland, which means that instead of traditional bells, cows would be wearing GPS trackers which emit electrical and acoustic signals.
Though instigated by the far-right, this idea is garnering support across the political spectrum as well as from the agricultural community.
“I have no concerns regarding animal welfare,” said Green Party MP Kilian Baumann, who is also an organic farmer.
As for the Swiss Farmers’ Union, they too are in favour of virtual fences and GPS trackers. “provided they are acceptable from an animal welfare perspective.”
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