Drought is currently dominating the Swiss forests: a forest fire has been raging in the Centovalli in Ticino for days. The flames also recently blazed in the canton of Bern in Meiringen. Many cantons are now warning of a great risk of forest fires, including the canton of St. Gallen. SRF Meteo meteorologist Daniela Schmuki provides answers to the question of the current drought in Switzerland.
SRF News: How dry is it in Switzerland at the moment?
Daniela Schmuki: Almost all of Switzerland has a medium to severe drought. That reports the Information platform for early detection of drought. To be more precise, we have a severe drought in the Jura, in north-western Switzerland, in the central and eastern part of the Swiss Plateau, as well as in Valais, Ticino and Misox.
Why are the soils so dry at the moment?
The soil is superficially very dry because there has been no significant rainfall since mid-February. In addition, the frequent bise has also dried out free surfaces.
Where should you currently avoid barbecuing in the woods? Where is the situation particularly precarious?
The Portal forest fire risk from the federal government warns in certain parts of Switzerland with an absolute fire ban: In parts of the canton of St.Gallen, in Ticino and also in the southern valleys of Graubünden, the fire ban applies outdoors. The situation is particularly precarious in southern Switzerland. There has not been any significant rainfall here since the beginning of December. There is also an absolute fire ban in the forest in the canton of Uri. In many regions it is pointed out and warned that one should be particularly careful when dealing with fire at the moment.
Legend:
state chancellery st.gallen/bafu
There has been no precipitation in the south since the winter: a big problem?
In the south, this winter drought is indeed remarkable and worrying. Since there has been almost no precipitation since the beginning of December, the water levels are also correspondingly low in the south.
Due to the lack of precipitation, we also have practically no snow reserves on the southern flank of the Alps: This means that there will also be a lack of meltwater later in the spring. So here we see a water resource deficit that is yet to come.
Legend:
Flames from the forest fire above Verdasio in the Centovalli Valley. The forest fire broke out on Wednesday, March 25th.
key stone
And in the longer term, what are the consequences to be expected?
The fact is that the scientists are currently still talking about groundwater and soil moisture in the normal range, but with a downward trend. The lack of meltwater could therefore represent a difficult starting point for spring and summer, insofar as there should be no heavy precipitation. How this develops remains a question mark.
When will the danger be over – will it rain again soon?
The high “Peter”, which has a lot of staying power, will dissipate at the beginning of next week – after fourteen days, by the way. It looks like there will also be a change in the weather at the turn of the month: rain is in sight from Wednesday through to the weekend, throughout Switzerland. Sometimes even repeated – a relief for the floors. There will also be a drop in temperature.
Finally rain is in sight: next week there will also be a change in the weather just in time for the change of month.
The conversation was conducted by Antonia Jochberg.