20 Minuten.
The weather website MeteoNews warns of a heatwave in Switzerland. After a more or less non-existent summer in Switzerland so far this year, temperatures have shot up. Many parts of the country are experiencing temperatures above 30 degrees today.
MeteoNews has issued heatwave warnings for Switzerland’s central plateau, the Basel and Rhone regions, Ticino’s southern lake region and parts of Valais. Temperatures are set to climb to 34-35 degrees in certain areas of Valais.
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According to Swiss Meteo temperature highs today in Geneva (31), Bern (32), Basel (34) and Zurich (33) are all in the thirties.
While many might be thinking of taking a dip in a river or a lake, those who do might be surprised by how cold the water is. Those close to the mountains will be able to see how much snow there is up high. This snow is now melting and finding its way down rivers and into the lakes.
Lakes to remain cool
The temperature this morning in Lake Zurich was 19 degrees. Lake Constance was the same temperature. By the end of the day these lakes should reach 20-21 degrees, still much cooler than the air temperature.
Watch out for flooding
With significant snow in the mountains, snow melt and rain over the weekend could swell rivers. In particular, the Rhine river between Lake Constance and the mouth of the river Thur, is at risk of flooding says MeteoNews. The Aare is also at risk.
Very high UV
The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health issued UV Index forecasts, which show very high to extreme levels of UV radiation across the country, reaching as high as 11 in Alpine regions.
A Brief roasting
According to both Swiss Meteo and Meteo Blue temperatures look set to drop significantly after Friday. Swiss Meteo predicts highs of 23, 22, and 23 for Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Zurich. Predictions for Geneva (26, 24 and 25), Basel (25,23, and 23) and Lausanne (25,24, and 23) are similar. Temperatures start to creep up a few degrees again next Tuesday.
More on this:
Full 20 Minuten article (in German)
Federal UV forecast (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
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