Weather Forecast for Swiss National Day Weekend: Will it be rainy or sunny?
Weather Forecast for Switzerland's National Day: Unsettled Conditions with Rain and Thunderstorms
Switzerland's National Day on August 1st is expected to bring changeable weather, according to MeteoNews. A stationary low-pressure system over Denmark will bring rain showers and local thunderstorms, particularly in the Alps and southern Switzerland [1][2].
On Friday, temperatures in the north are forecast to be around 20-22°C, while the south is anticipated to be warmer, with highs of about 25°C. It's unlikely to be completely dry in all of Switzerland's cantons on this day [1]. Piz Bernina, one of the mountainous areas, is forecast to move above freezing to 0°C by Friday [1].
In the lowlands, the weather is expected to calm down somewhat in the evening, potentially allowing fireworks to proceed in many places. However, in the mountains, strong south-westerly to westerly winds contribute to the unsettled conditions [1].
On Saturday, thunderstorms are expected in several areas, including Zurich, Basel, Lausanne, and Saint Gallen [1]. By Sunday, the rain is expected to peter out, with most cantons seeing out the week with sunny spells and drizzle [1].
Heavy rain warnings are still in place for some parts of the country on Monday, but the cloudy and wet weather is expected to improve by midnight on Tuesday [1]. In Geneva, it's set to be warmer and sunnier (25°C), but there could be some very light showers between midday and 6pm [1].
In Chur, four hours of sun and drizzle are expected for most of the afternoon (up to 2mm), with showers getting heavier after 6pm (up to 3mm) [1]. No heavy rain is forecast at the time of writing for Friday 1st August, Swiss National Day [1].
Temperatures in Lugano, Italian-speaking Ticino, are forecast to rise to 27°C [1]. The drizzle on Friday might well be refreshing rather than annoying, given the mid-20°C temperatures expected for much of the country [1].
Forecasts anticipate sunny spells for much of Switzerland on Friday, interspersed with only periodic light showers or drizzle [1]. Umbrellas may be required on Saturday in much of the country, with temperatures forecast to drop to around 20°C [1]. In Basel, north-west Switzerland, only short episodes of drizzle are expected throughout the day [1].
From 3pm, Lugano may experience storms and light to moderate rain (up to 3mm) [1]. It's worth noting that only mountainous areas, such as Zermatt, Gotthard Pass, and Piz Bernina, would continue to see sub-20°C temperatures [1].
Sources: [1] MeteoNews [2] Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN)
Due to the stationary low-pressure system over Denmark, rain showers and local thunderstorms are expected in the Alps and southern Switzerland on Switzerland's National Day, specifically on August 1st, according to MeteoNews. Despite the potential thunderstorms, the lowlands are forecast to calm down somewhat in the evening, allowing for fireworks in many places, although strong winds contribute to the unsettled conditions in the mountains.
