Drought warning for canton St.Gallen: level 3/5
Content updated on 05.08.2026 20:32 CEST last verified 18:13 CEST
Summary
The entire canton of St.Gallen is under a drought warning at level 3 of 5. Persistently low rainfall is straining water resources and agriculture across the whole cantonal area.
What hazard threatens
Prolonged drought lowers groundwater and spring levels, endangers the drinking-water supply of smaller municipalities and agriculture, and markedly increases the risk of forest and field fires.
Local weather conditions
Measuring station Ebnat-Kappel, 623 m a.s.l. — reference station for the canton
33.8 °C
34 mm
3
8.3 mm
Day of warning and following days
- Tue 04.08. 34° 16° measured
- Wed 05.08. 25° 17°
- Thu 06.08. 22° 17°
As of: Values as at the time of the warning; they are not updated afterwards.
Source: MeteoSwiss
Forecast: MET Norway, licence CC BY 4.0
Context & protective measures
Background: dry spells are becoming more frequent and longer in Switzerland. Prolonged drought lowers groundwater and spring levels, strains the drinking-water supply of smaller municipalities and agriculture, and markedly increases the risk of forest and field fires. The FOEN rates the situation by region across several warning levels.
Recommendation
The likelihood of occurrence is very low, the potential impact medium. Use drinking water sparingly, observe municipal water-use restrictions and fire bans, and avoid open fires outdoors and barbecuing in the forest at elevated levels.
What to do now
Keep a drinking-water reserve on hand, check for current fire and water-use restrictions in your municipality, and follow the guidance of the relevant authorities.
Risk matrix
Affected area
The warning applies to the entire canton.