Persistent drought in Oberes Emmental (level 4/5)
Unchanged since the first report last verified 18:13 CEST
Summary
Oberes Emmental faces pronounced drought at level 4/5, straining drinking water supply and agriculture. The risk of forest and field fires is markedly elevated.
What hazard threatens
The prolonged drought in Oberes Emmental is lowering groundwater and spring levels, threatening the local drinking-water supply and agriculture, and sharply increasing the risk of forest and field fires.
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
Likelihood is low, but impact is high. Use drinking water sparingly, observe municipal water-use restrictions and fire bans, and avoid open fires outdoors or barbecuing in the forest.
What to do now
Build up a drinking-water reserve, check your municipality's current fire bans, and avoid any open fire outdoors until conditions improve.
Risk matrix
Event location
- Coordinates · WGS84
- 46.8329° N, 7.8038° E
- 46°49′58.4″ N 7°48′13.7″ E