Severe heat advisory issued by Swiss authorities
After a scorching heatwave that has seen temperatures soaring across Switzerland, much-needed relief is on the horizon. According to meteorological forecasts, the relief from the intense heat is expected to arrive early next week, starting from Monday, July 7th, 2025[1].
The current heatwave, which has seen temperatures reaching as high as 36 degrees Celsius in Biasca, Ticino, and 35 degrees in the Basel region, is expected to last only until the weekend of July 5-6, 2025[1][2]. This prolonged period of unusually high temperatures has been part of a wider European heatwave driven by a heat dome and marine heatwave from the Mediterranean, causing extreme temperatures across southern and central Europe[3][4].
The upcoming relief will bring significant respite from the current high temperatures. In French-speaking Switzerland, heavy precipitation, wind, and possibly hail are expected to hit first, followed by a drop in temperatures. Maximum temperatures will be between 32 degrees and 34 degrees Celsius, with minimum temperatures ranging from 17 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius, and between 20 degrees and 22 degrees near lakes and in urban areas[1].
In urban areas, minimum temperatures will be a few degrees higher due to slower and less pronounced nighttime cooling than in surrounding regions, as specified by MeteoSchweiz. Meanwhile, in the low altitudes of German-speaking Switzerland, maximum temperatures will reach 33 degrees, with locally higher peaks, particularly in the Basel region. In the south of the Alps (Ticino), maximum temperatures will reach 31-32 degrees Celsius, with minimum temperatures between 20 degrees and 23 degrees Celsius[1].
A 'cold' front is expected to temporarily end the heatwave. However, it's important to note that the storm is not expected to mark the end of the summer weather. Temperatures for next weekend will drop, but summer weather is expected to continue, with a forecast of 26 degrees Celsius in most parts of the country for the beginning of July[1].
A level 3 heat warning has been issued by the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSchweiz) and will remain in effect until July 2nd across all regions. Both long and short periods of intense heat can impact human health, and it's crucial to take necessary precautions, especially during such extreme weather conditions. A level 4 heat alert in Switzerland indicates a significant hazard, potentially leading to severe risk of circulatory problems[1].
The heat alert is valid until Thursday, July 3rd, for Valais, the Lake Geneva basin, and other low-lying regions of French- and German-speaking Switzerland[1]. As the rain travels toward German-speaking areas, it is expected to reach the St. Gallen region by evening[1].
Stay tuned for more updates on the weather situation in Switzerland.
The upcoming weather forecast predicts a significant drop in temperatures starting from July 7th, 2025, bringing relief from the current heatwave that has been battering Switzerland. After the relief, maximum temperatures are expected to range from 32 to 34 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures will vary from 17 to 20 degrees Celsius, according to MeteoSchweiz.
