Weather in Switzerland: Polar front brings snow and Arctic blast – latest weather radar
If you were out and about in Basel or Zurich on Saturday, you would have felt it. That air moving in. Not just "a bit cooler", but that sharp, biting freshness that gets straight into your bones. Now it's getting serious. The polar front, which had already caused chaos in northern Germany, is now sweeping into Switzerland with full force. Anyone who thought spring was a done deal needs to tear up their plans pretty quickly.
I was looking at the latest weather charts last night, as I've been doing for twenty years, and honestly? Even the seasoned veterans of meteorology are tipping their hats to this weather shift. It's not just a minor cold snap. This is a turbulent turnaround, the kind we rarely see at this time of year. The models have been consistently revised downwards over the last 48 hours. What does that mean for us? It's not just going to be wet; it's going to be white.
Snow down to the Central Plateau? Here's what's coming
If you look at the current weather radar, you can clearly see the front rolling in from the northwest. The classic Bise wind is showing its most uncomfortable side. The key factor is the snow line. The forecasts are clear: the polar air mass is pushing the snow line down to 600 metres as the day goes on. By Tuesday night and into Tuesday morning, it could drop even lower. In plain English: in cities like Bern, Lucerne or St. Gallen, it's not just rain in the air. There could well be a proper dumping of snow that settles. I'd bet many of you will be looking out the window tomorrow morning and rubbing your eyes in disbelief.
For those of you shaking your heads now: yes, this is unusual. But we're used to it in Switzerland – April does what it wants. Still, this abrupt shift from what felt almost like summer back to winter is quite a statement. The authorities' weather warning is circulating for good reason. This isn't a "might-get-a-bit-chilly" warning; this is a "watch-out-on-the-roads" warning.
Key points for the next few hours
- Road conditions: Icy patches and slush, especially during the morning hours. Summer tyres? A real risk, not just on the Gotthard.
- Temperatures: Highs around 4 degrees. With the icy wind, it'll feel well below zero. Time to dig out the winter hats again.
- Snow line: Dropping to 600 metres and below. Even the Central Plateau and cities could see a white covering.
- Duration: The Arctic air is sticking around until at least Wednesday. Only towards the end of the week will it slowly start to feel spring-like again.
I've just had another look at the weather radar. Precipitation is really building up over the Jura and the Black Forest. That's now moving directly into the Central Plateau. So if you have to go out this afternoon: expect a mix. Starting as rain, then turning more to snow as the cold air digs in. It's going to get particularly treacherous this evening in the transition zones between 500 and 800 metres. The only advice is: stay calm, slow down, and point the car heater at your feet – winter is making a brief comeback.
Tomorrow morning will be interesting. I reckon the maps will be completely white by seven o'clock. Not just in the Alpine valleys, but in the agglomerations too. So, folks, wrap up warm, look out for each other, and maybe even enjoy the sight – a good fall of snow in April has its charms too. But don't forget the shovel in the car if you absolutely have to drive. It's going to be wild out there.