Persistent drought in the Sottoceneri (level 4/5)
Unchanged since the first report last verified 18:13 CEST
Summary
The Sottoceneri is experiencing marked drought at level 4/5, straining drinking water and agriculture. The FOEN rates this region's situation at an elevated level.
What hazard threatens
Prolonged drought is lowering groundwater and spring levels, straining the drinking-water supply of smaller municipalities and agriculture, and markedly increasing the risk of forest and field fires across the Sottoceneri.
Local weather conditions
Measuring station Lugano, 273 m a.s.l., 3 km from the event
34.5 °C
42 mm
4
Day of warning and following days
- Thu 30.07. 35° 23° measured Tropical night (from 20 °C)
As of: Values as at the time of the warning; they are not updated afterwards.
Source: MeteoSwiss
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 using the linked guide on protection against heat and drought.
What to do now
Use drinking water sparingly, observe municipal water-use restrictions and fire bans, avoid open fires outdoors and barbecuing in the forest, and keep a drinking-water reserve. Follow the guidance of your municipality and the authorities.
Risk matrix
Event location
- Coordinates · WGS84
- 45.9811° N, 8.9546° E
- 45°58′52.0″ N 8°57′16.7″ E