Persistent drought affects the Valais southern Alps
Unchanged since the first report last verified 18:13 CEST
Summary
The Walliser Südalpen region is experiencing drought at severity level 4 of 5. Drinking water use and fire behaviour should be adjusted now.
What hazard threatens
The 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 in the region.
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 potential impact is high. Prepare using the linked guide on protection from heat and drought.
What to do now
Use drinking water sparingly, observe your municipality's water-use restrictions and fire bans, and avoid open fires outdoors or in the forest.
Risk matrix
Event location
- Coordinates · WGS84
- 46.0530° N, 7.2739° E
- 46°03′10.6″ N 7°16′26.1″ E