Persistent drought in the eastern Bernese Oberland (level 4)
Unchanged since the first report last verified 18:13 CEST
Summary
Pronounced drought at level 4 of 5 affects the eastern Bernese Oberland, straining drinking water, agriculture and fire risk.
What hazard threatens
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.
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 of occurrence is low, but the potential impact is high. Prepare now using the linked guide on protection during heat and drought.
What to do now
Use drinking water sparingly, observe municipal fire bans and water-use restrictions, avoid open fires outdoors and in the forest, and keep a drinking-water reserve on hand.
Risk matrix
Event location
- Coordinates · WGS84
- 46.6611° N, 8.1671° E
- 46°39′40.0″ N 8°10′01.5″ E