The weather in Switzerland will shift dramatically over the coming days, both in the mountains and on lower ground.
As the traditional school ski holidays continue, there is good news for people heading to the Swiss Alps (or those already there).
According to meteorologist Peter Wick, plenty of fresh snow will fall, particularly (but not only) in Lower Valais – more than a metre is expected by the weekend above 1,500 to 1,800 metres.
In the Bernese Alps, up to 80 cm are expected; 40 to 60 cm in the Central and Eastern Alps; and 20 to 40 in Central Graubünden.
The snow line will drop to 1,200 metres over the weekend, with some localised snowfall down to lower elevations.
In the mountains, copious amounts of fresh snow increase the risk of avalanches, so winter sports enthusiasts should not venture off-piste.
The risk is ‘high is red areas, ‘considerable’ in orange, and ‘moderate in yellow.
:
Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF
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What about the lowlands?
Strong westerly winds with gusts up to 60 – 80 km/h are expected on Wednesday and Thursday.
In addition, 30 to 50 litres of rain per square metre are expected by Friday morning, with even more in the west of Switzerland.
A lasting break in the weather is not forecast for next week.
“All current weather models also indicate an unstable westerly regime with rain, snow, and intermittent winds for the coming week,” Wick said.
