Heatwave
All the latest news and essential info on heatwaves in Switzerland.
Is it safe to swim in Switzerland's (very) warm lakes this summer?
Due to the persistent hot weather, the water in many of Switzerland’s lakes is not refreshing – in fact, it is on the upper range of what is considered ‘normal’ for a summer season. But is it safe to swim in?
More than 150 million in Europe face temperatures over 35C on Friday
Millions of people across Europe -- particularly in France, Italy, Spain and Britain -- baked through a new wave of extreme temperatures Thursday as the continent's latest heatwave picked up.
Gelato for lunch? Bedlinen in the freezer? Heatwave tips from southern Europe
With scorching temperatures breaking records across Europe this summer, The Local has put together tried and tested tips for surviving heatwaves from southern Europe, where locals have had decades of practice coping with the heat.
Western Europe experienced hottest June-July on record
Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July on record as climate change fuels an historic summer of heat, drought and wildfires across the region, the EU's global warming monitor said Monday.
WEATHER: Will the Swiss heatwave finally end in August?
July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in Switzerland. Will temperatures drop in August?
'New reality': Swiss lawmakers warm up to easing of air conditioning rules
As you know by now, getting permission to purchase a fixed AC unit for a private home is a real headache in Switzerland. But some elected officials are now speaking in favour of these devices.
The essential heatwave vocabulary you need to follow a Swiss weather forecast
If you are not yet fluent in any of the Swiss national languages, you may not know whether another heatwave is on the way this summer.
Swiss airline under fire for its 'insensitive' heatwave ad campaign
Edelweiss airline, which connects Zurich with dozens of holiday destinations around the world, is being criticised for urging travellers to escape Switzerland’s heatwave on one of its planes.
New 'intense’ heatwave to hit Switzerland as wildfire warnings increase
After a few days of temperatures not exceeding 30C, Switzerland will experience another wave of extremely hot weather, accompamied by worsening drought and heightened wildfire risks.
'Please have a referendum on AC': Your tips for coping with Switzerland’s heatwaves
With temperatures in some Swiss regions exceeding 35C this week we asked our readers how they manage to stay (relatively) cool in a severe heatwave in Switzerland.
Swiss rivers and lakes at lowest levels in 20 years
Weeks of heatwaves and drought have impacted Switzerland’s waterways and, in turn, its dams as well. Just how dire is the current situation?
When should you go to hospital in Switzerland during a heatwave?
Extremely hot weather can cause many people, and not just the elderly, to feel unwell. But Switzerland has strict rules about the use of hospital ERs. How do you know whether the use of emergency services is justified during a heatwave?
Could Switzerland’s heatwave and drought end this week?
If you're hoping for the extremely hot and dry weather in Switzerland to be over, you may be in luck – though the relief could be temporary.
How the heatwave could impact food prices in Switzerland
The record-breaking heatwave and subsequent drought gripping Switzerland in recent weeks are impacting many aspects of life in the country - including food prices.
Heatwave: Are you entitled to a rent reduction in your Swiss home?
With a few exceptions, it has been very hot in Switzerland in the past few weeks, making apartments, especially in older buildings, almost uninhabitable. What rights do tenants have if their dwellings are overheated?
Where are the worst parts of Switzerland to be in heatwaves?
Because of Switzerland's topography certain parts of the country are more likely than others to get higher temperatures during heatwaves that will become more common due to the human-caused climate crisis.
Heatwave to continue in Switzerland over coming days
Brace yourself for more of sweltering weather over the next days, as Switzerland’s heatwave settles in for a longer stretch.
Swiss pharmacists warn of taking certain medication during heatwave
As high temperatures can diminish or accentuate the undesirable effects of some drugs, Swiss pharmacists urge special caution.
Switzerland to be hit by new heatwave as air conditioning units sell out
After a relative ‘lull’ of the past several days, Switzerland will swelter in another wave of extremely hot weather in coming days as air conditioning units sell out.
One for the history books: what we know about the European heatwave
Europe is still taking stock of a powerful heatwave in late June but experts are already confident it ranks among the worst ever recorded -- even rivalling a freak 2003 episode.
FORECAST: Just how hot will the weather be in July in Switzerland?
After the torrid heatwave that hit Switzerland the second half of June and a subsequent (relative) respite, what will the month of July bring us, in terms of weather?
39C: Why was Basel hit by highest temperatures during Swiss heatwave?
Though all of Swiss regions have sweltered under the extremely hot weather for nearly three weeks this month, Basel bore the brunt of the heatwave.
At least 191 million Europeans face 35C on Sunday
At least 191 million people are forecast to endure temperatures of at least 35C on Sunday in Europe, with the heat particularly intense in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, according to AFP estimates.