A stubborn low-pressure system named Bruna is steering humid Atlantic air across Switzerland, bringing daily rain and shifting snowlines through Friday.
Media meteorologist Sina Lenggenhager notes that a lively westerly wind regime determines the week’s weather, while Florian Osterwalder reports on the week’s conditions.
Northern and eastern regions face the heaviest downpours, with meteorologist Michael Eichmann telling watson that everyone will need an umbrella this week. Precipitation totals are expected to reach 30 to 60 millimeters along the northern border.
The central plateau will see 20 to 40 millimeters, while Alpine valleys record only 10 to 20 millimeters. Despite the persistent moisture, daytime temperatures remain unusually mild for November, climbing to 14 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, though watson notes Tuesday values can even reach 12 to 15 degrees Celsius.
The week begins with grey, overcast skies and persistent rain. While the north and east remain damp, the southern Alpine regions and Engadine may see brief dry intervals on Tuesday morning before clouds return. Meteorologist Michael Eichmann notes that while Tuesday remains generally wet, the afternoon may offer slight clearing in the west.
By Wednesday, conditions are veränderlich bewölkt, though fog may persist in the lowlands up to 700 meters. A new warm front arrives Thursday, bringing further rain, particularly to the Tessin and southern Bündner valleys, where precipitation is expected to intensify.
Snowlines initially between 2,200 and 2,800 meters mean most alpine areas will receive modest accumulations of 5 to 15 centimeters, with local totals reaching 30 centimeters. A incoming cold front will drive the snowline down toward 1,000 meters on Friday — or down to 800 meters according to watson — accompanied by a moderate to strong Bise wind. High-pressure conditions will return in time for the weekend, bringing sunshine to the lowlands alongside local fog.
Drivers are encouraged to reduce speeds when passing standing water to prevent splashing. For those hiking or working in the mountains, experts advise utilizing ventilation openings in clothing and keeping a dry, extra layer available to prevent hypothermia during rest periods.
As snowlines fluctuate, officials remind the public that a rising snowline indicates where new precipitation falls as snow, but it does not guarantee that previously fallen snow on mountain roads has melted; icy patches may persist.