Experts are forecasting another heatwave in Switzerland this week, with potentially record-breaking temperatures of up to 38 degrees forecast in some areas.
Following a brief cool spell, Switzerland is braced for another heatwave.
From Wednesday temperatures will soar and heat records could be broken in certain parts of the country, according to forecasts from Switzerland’s state meteorological agency, MeteoSwiss.
From Tuesday June 16th, temperatures will begin rising but the 30C barrier is unlikely to be broken until later in the week. Forecasts predict a mix of sun and cloud cover, with isolated showers in the Alps.
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On Wednesday, however, the heatwave will finally arrive.
A look at the MeteoSwiss forecasts shows temperatures in the low-20s on Tuesday 16th June with the mercury rising throughout the week, with peak temperatures forecast for Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd.
You can follow updated forecasts here.
Photo: MeteoSwiss.
For the rest of the week, weather experts are forecasting temperatures of between 31-35C across the country.
Swiss media reports suggest that towards the end of the week the mercury could even soar above 35C in some areas.
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.
Records could also fall at Zurich Airport and in Lugano.
Besides rising temperatures, from Thursday isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected in the Alps.
On Friday, when peak temperatures will hit, heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon, particularly in parts of northern Switzerland.
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.”
