Swiss Weather Forecast: National Day Brings Humidity, Drought Persists
As Switzerland prepares to celebrate its National Day on August 1st, the weather forecast indicates a shift from the recent heatwave. While temperatures will be slightly less hot, the air will become significantly more humid, making conditions feel muggy across the lowlands. This change comes after the first two weeks of July were marked by scarce rainfall, leaving many regions considerably too dry. The lack of precipitation has raised concerns about drought, and the upcoming showers are unlikely to provide sufficient relief.
According to the latest updates, thunderstorms are possible mainly during the night leading into Saturday, particularly in the lowlands. On Sunday and Monday, conditions will remain partly to mostly sunny and summery warm, though showers are expected, especially in the Alps. The precipitation that fell over the weekend and on Monday was concentrated in the Alpine region and will hardly alleviate the current drought. The forecast shows a low probability of rain (0-30%) for most of the day, with a peak of 65% at 18:00, when up to 3 mm of rain could fall.
Wind patterns will vary throughout the day, with directions shifting from WSW in the early morning to NNE by afternoon, and speeds ranging from 7 to 37 km/h. The strongest gusts are expected around 15:00, with winds up to 37 km/h from the WNW. Sunshine hours will be abundant, with clear skies predicted for most of the day, though cloud cover may increase in the evening. The predictability of the forecast is high for the early hours but becomes a bit uncertain later in the day, especially regarding thunderstorm development.
For those planning National Day celebrations, it is advisable to stay updated on local forecasts, as conditions may change rapidly. The Swiss weather service continues to monitor the situation, and subscribers to their newsletter can receive timely alerts. While the coming days will bring some relief from the heat, the persistent dryness remains a concern for agriculture and water resources across the country.
Shimanta Das 
