Switzerland Sees Least Sunshine in 8 Years

Switzerland has experienced continuous rain, clouds, and cool temperatures for weeks. Many residents are wondering if summer will ever arrive. New data from SRF Meteo shows that in the first six months of 2024, Switzerland recorded the fewest hours of sunshine in eight years.

Sunshine Levels Drop to Eight-Year Low

The data reveals that in the northern part of Switzerland, there were 200 fewer hours of sunshine on average between January and July 2024 compared to usual. This is a 20 percent drop from the 10-year average. The last time northern Switzerland saw so little sun was in 2016 and 2013. The situation was even worse in the south and the Alps. Lugano had its lowest sunshine levels since 1986, and Chur had the least sunshine since 1983.

Heavy Rainfall Causes Fatal Incidents

Switzerland also experienced too much rain in the first half of 2024, especially in the eastern and southern regions. These areas had 40 to 60 percent more rainfall than the 10-year average. Rainfall was frequent, with 96 out of 182 days in Braunwald seeing rain. Zurich had 80 days of rain, 15 more than usual.

The continuous rainfall led to severe events, such as landslides and rockfalls in June that swept away part of the San Bernardino Pass and killed several people. A week later, torrential rain in Valais and Ticino resulted in at least four deaths. Climate change is expected to make such extreme weather events more common.

When Will the Weather Improve?

Will Swiss cities and cantons get any summer this year? SRF Meteo says not soon. Current weather models show no strong high-pressure area in sight. If low-pressure weather continues, more heavy thunderstorms are expected.

The large amount of rainfall has created a cycle where hot temperatures evaporate standing water, forming cumulus clouds and leading to downpours and thunderstorms.