Switzerland’s heatwave has got parts of the country on alert for soaring temperatures – but how long will it last?
Switzerland is currently in the middle of a heatwave pushing temperatures to near record-breaking levels and causing ‘tropical nights’.
In Sion, the temperature was hovering around 35C on Thursday afternoon.
In Zurich, the mercury rose above 33C.
But how long will this hot spell last?
READ ALSO: Switzerland placed under extreme heat warning as temperatures spike
Looking at forecasts from Switzerland’s state meteorological agency, MeteoSwiss, experts predict that the extreme heat could last until the end of June — or, at the very least, the last few days of the month.
Since Thursday, the Swiss Confederation has been issuing level 3 and 4 heatwave alerts.
As of Thursday 19th June, these alerts are valid until the following Tuesday, June 23rd.
But according to MeteoSuisse data, the heatwave is likely to continue beyond this date to at least the 27th, perhaps longer.
Looking at the forecast, temperatures of 34C and 35C are predicted across the country into next week, with temperatures of 35C lasting until Thursday 26th June in western and southern Switzerland.
Southern Switzerland may also likely see thunderstorms in addition to the heat.
Photo: MeteoSwiss.
The duration of this heatwave is, however, for the moment, far from exceptional, meteorologist Melanie Ruosch of MeteoSuisse told the Keystone-ATS news agency.
In fact, periods of intense heat in June are not unusual in Switzerland. For example, June 2025, 2022, 2019 and 2017 all saw similar episodes of sweltering heat.
This current heatwave will become exceptional if it last for over a week, something forecasts show to be possible. Currently, the heatwave warnings are in place until Tuesday, “but the situation suggests that the warning will in all likelihood have to be extended,” Rousch said.
Looking at the forecasts, on Sunday temperatures could soar to 36C in Basel, 35C in Zurich and 34C in Bern, with thunderstorms in parts of the country, particularly in the south.
You can follow updated forecasts here.
The all-time June temperature record of 36.9 degrees in Basel-Binningen (from 27th June 1947) could even be broken as some weather models predict highs of 38C for Basel. Most forecast maximum temperatures of 36-37C, however.
According to MeteoSwiss’ definitions, the criteria for a heatwave is as follows:
“MeteoSwiss does not refer to a heat wave until the warning criteria have reached Level 3 – in other words, when at least three consecutive days are forecast with a mean daily temperature of 25C or higher. If the criteria are only met for a maximum duration of two days, this is described as a short hot spell.”
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