After a few days of temperatures not exceeding 30C, Switzerland will experience another wave of extremely hot weather, accompamied by worsening drought and heightened wildfire risks.
In its latest forecast, the Federal Office of Meteorology (MeteoSwiss) is warning that “we can prepare for an intense [heat] episode of considerable duration.”
Temperatures will rise to between 35C and 37C on July 29th and could hit the 38C-mark the following day.
You can see the 8-day forecast for your part of the country here.
And though longer-term forecasts are less reliable, MeteoSwiss is expecting the high temperatures to continue into August as well.
Scientists have shown that recurring heatwaves are a clear marker of global warming, primarily caused by burning coal, oil and gas — and warn they are set to become more frequent, longer and more intense.
What about the drought situation?
Clearly, the sporadic and brief episodes of rainfall in the last days have not penetrated the deep layers of extremely dry soil, so the drought is set to continue.
“Long-term forecasts currently indicate below-average rainfall until mid-August; therefore, the possibility of a dry August cannot be ruled out,” MeteoSwiss said.
This what the situation looks like now:
MeteoSwiss
The red area, which spans nearly the whole country, indicates a Level 4 (High Danger) alert, which means that “a significant increase in drought conditions is expected.”
“Should the trend toward another heatwave in early August continue, the situation would become critical for many rivers, lakes, and forests, and this would persist until autumn,” the weather services pointed out.
“Significantly above-average and prolonged rainfall would be required to make up for the current deficit” – but even so, “it will take several months for the situation of the major rivers and groundwater to return to normal.
As The Local recently reported, Swiss lakes, rivers, and dams are already at their lowest level in decades:
READ MORE: Swiss rivers and lakes at lowest levels in 20 years
Wildfires
With continued heatwaves and drought, the risks of forest fires increases as well.
The current map shows that most of the country (red areas) is under the Level 4 (‘High Danger’) alert, and some – parts of Valais and central Switzerland – are under the highest, ‘Very High Danger’ category (dark red, Level 5). Orange signifies a ‘medium’ risk.
This means, according to MeteoSwiss, that “very hot ground fires and widespread crown fires may occur. Burning embers may be thrown over large distances and spark new fires. Lightning strikes are highly likely to cause a fire.”
MeteoSwiss
Consequently, fire bans are currently in effect in all cantons.
Many municipalities will also likely ban – due to both the drought and the high risk of forest fires – the traditional August 1st fireworks and bonfires.
Where sausages are served, they will be cooked on gas or electric grills – the use of charcoal is prohibited in many places as well.
Each municipality will inform residents of any restrictions in place.
READ MORE: What you need to know about wildfire risks in Switzerland this summer
