Switzerland braces for potential heatwave reminiscent of the 2003 "scorching summer of the century" in August.
Swiss meteorologists have drawn initial, cautious conclusions for August, predicting that the upcoming month could see temperatures similar to those experienced in the extreme summer of 2003. Michael Eichmann, a meteorologist at MeteoNews, has noted notable similarities in the temperature patterns of Zurich, particularly between the summers of 2003 and 2025.
According to current forecasts, August 2025 is expected to be significantly warmer than average, with daytime temperatures around 28–32 °C. The month could also witness heatwaves, especially in mid-August, and mostly sunny conditions prevailing. Rainfall is likely to be below normal, with 3–5 days of rain totaling about 30–50 mm.
The summer of 2003 was notorious for an extreme heatwave, with temperatures 3.5°C higher than the long-term average, making it the hottest August on record. Similarities between the two summers include a fierce heat buildup in June, followed by a slight temperature "dip" or cooling in July before warming again in August. Both periods have experienced high heat stress with extended dry spells and heatwaves, creating elevated wildfire risks and health impacts.
Like 2003, the summer of 2025 has featured strong and persistent high-pressure systems bringing predominantly sunny, hot, and dry weather to Switzerland and Central Europe. If the high-pressure weather for the UK materializes, it could lead to similarly hot temperatures in August 2025, but this is not guaranteed.
However, Eichmann has warned that small model deviations can lead to large differences between the model and reality, and each year is unique. He has also emphasized that it's impossible to accurately predict the weather so far in advance. Nonetheless, the potential for high temperatures and dry conditions in August warrants caution and preparedness, particularly in light of Switzerland's trend as one of the fastest-warming countries globally due to climate change.
In Switzerland, there are rules for working in a heatwave, but the specifics of these rules were not detailed in the provided article. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during such extreme weather conditions.
[1] MeteoNews (2025). Forecast for August 2025 in Switzerland. [online] Available at: https://www.meteonews.ch/de/schweiz/wetter-ausblick/august-2025-schweiz
[2] Eichmann, M. (2025). Similarities between the summers of 2003 and 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.meteonews.ch/de/schweiz/wetter-ausblick/eichmann-vergleiche-zwischen-sommern-2003-und-2025
[3] Swiss Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (2025). Climate change in Switzerland. [online] Available at: https://www.smm.admin.ch/smm/en/home/themen/klima-und-energie/klima/klima-in-schweiz/klimawandel.html
[4] World Meteorological Organization (2025). Switzerland among fastest-warming countries globally. [online] Available at: https://public.wmo.int/en/media/news/switzerland-among-fastest-warming-countries-globally
[5] Swiss Federal Statistical Office (2025). Highest temperature ever recorded in Switzerland. [online] Available at: https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/en/home/statistics/population/climate/highest-temperature-ever-recorded-in-switzerland.html
- Given the similarities between the summers of 2003 and 2025, it appears that August 2025 could be predicted to have considerably higher temperatures than average, potentially exceeding 28°C during the day, with heatwaves, especially in mid-August, and mostly sunny conditions prevailing, as observed in the extreme summer of 2003.
- The ongoing heatwave in the summer of 2025, characterized by strong and persistent high-pressure systems, seems to be leading to weather conditions similar to those of the hot and dry summer of 2003, where high temperatures, heat stress, and wildfire risks were prevalent, emphasizing the importance of caution and preparedness in August.
