A waterspout often forms during such weather conditions in late summer, the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (Meteoschweiz) wrote on Twitter on Sunday. When the water in the lakes is warm, and the air above it is cold, conditions are ripe for the formation of waterspouts.
A waterspout is essentially a mini-tornado. It is a localized but strong whirlwind over a body of water that rotates around an axis. Waterspouts are generally not dangerous, as there are not particularly high wind speeds in the area of the vortex. Once waterspouts reach land, they also dissipate quickly.
Impressive sight this morning at Lake Geneva. A #Wasserhose often forms during such #Wetterlagen in late summer and can be observed with a little luck, patience, and a good app 😉. Photo: Meteomeldungen App. pic.twitter.com/RasjgzqJmz
— MeteoSchweiz (@meteoschweiz) August 18, 2024
From Saturday evening to Sunday morning, five to 10 liters of precipitation per square meter fell across all parts of the country, according to Meteoschweiz. The most rain fell in the Neuchâtel region with up to 75 liters per square meter. In the Lausanne area, 50 to 65 liters of rain per square meter were measured.
-> You can find detailed weather information here