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Early snowfall blankets Switzerland as temperatures plunge below freezing

Winter arrived early as flurries dusted Swiss towns—and meteorologists say the worst is yet to come. Black ice and subzero lows could snarl travel plans by Saturday.

There is a road and there is snow on either sides of it and there are mountains covered with snow...
There is a road and there is snow on either sides of it and there are mountains covered with snow in the background.

Early snowfall blankets Switzerland as temperatures plunge below freezing

Snow has already arrived in parts of Switzerland, with flurries reported in lowland areas on Thursday. Forecasters now warn of further snowfall on Friday, as temperatures continue to plummet across the country.

Light snow fell in several regions on Thursday, including St. Gallen, Einsiedeln, and Solothurn. While most lowland areas saw only brief flurries that failed to settle, higher ground and Alpine foothills received a dusting.

Meteorologists predict more snow on Friday, with occasional flurries expected throughout the day. MeteoSwiss and Meteonews both anticipate snow reaching lowland areas, continuing into Saturday morning. Temperatures will drop sharply, with daytime highs on Friday struggling to exceed 2°C. By Saturday morning, some regions could see lows of –4°C.

The cold snap brings added risks, particularly in western Switzerland and the Alps. Authorities have issued warnings for black ice and snow-related hazards, raising concerns over potential accidents. Looking ahead, further snow is possible from Sunday afternoon, with eastern Switzerland likely to see flurries by Monday morning.

The sudden drop in temperatures and persistent snowfall will keep conditions treacherous over the weekend. Residents and travellers are advised to stay cautious, as icy roads and fresh snow increase the likelihood of disruptions.

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