Drought in the Rheintal: warning level 4 of 5
Unchanged since the first report last verified 18:13 CEST
Summary
The FOEN rates the drought in the Rheintal at level 4 of 5 – drinking water and agriculture are under strain. An area-wide warning is in effect.
What hazard threatens
Persistently low groundwater and spring levels are straining the drinking-water supply of smaller municipalities and agriculture, and markedly increasing the risk of forest and field fires in the Rheintal.
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 potential impact is high. Use the linked guide on heat and drought to prepare in a targeted way.
What to do now
Use drinking water sparingly, observe municipal water-use restrictions and fire bans, and avoid open fires outdoors or barbecuing in the forest. Keep a drinking-water reserve and follow the guidance issued by your municipality.
Risk matrix
Event location
- Coordinates · WGS84
- 47.2228° N, 9.5161° E
- 47°13′22.2″ N 9°30′57.8″ E