Published
Global warming: EPFZ provides heat waves up to five weeks in Switzerland
The Zurich Polytechnic School is developing scenarios on the climate that awaits us in the coming years. One thing is certain, it will be even warmer.
Switzerland could experience episodes of several weeks with temperatures beyond 35 ° C in cities.
Photo by Immo Wegmann on UnsplashDid you sweat in June and August? Beware of the next summer because it should be even warmer. Indeed, Professor Erich Fischer, climatologist at EPFZ, warns against potential extreme scenarios in Switzerland.
“Climate change does not mean more beautiful summers. This means that when the sun shines, it is no longer 26 or 27 ° C as in the past, but 32 to 33 ° C, “he explained on SRF television. “The period of high temperatures now extends from June to September. And when it rains as in July, it often rains at Verse. ”
According to the expert, Switzerland heats up particularly quickly: since 1900, the hot days have increased by 3.5 ° C and the nights of 4.5 ° C, he notes. “If formerly the nights were at 17-18 ° C, they are today at 22-23 ° C,” he notes.
Up to 45 ° C in Geneva
As for possible maxima, extreme scenarios show temperature above 3 to 6 ° C to current records. Thus, it could do up to 44 ° C in Zurich, 45 in Geneva, or even 46 in Ticino. Even if it is only unlikely, Erich Fischer believes that essential infrastructures, such as hospitals and electricity supply are preparing for such a possibility.
The duration of heat waves is even more worrying. In Zurich, they could last three weeks above 35 ° C, or even five weeks if several high-pressure systems follow one another, according to him. This would have major consequences on society, economics and health, he recalls.
These projections will appear in the next Swiss climate report, expected in November. They will allow to anticipate an increase in electricity consumption linked to air conditioning. Researchers also want to understand the effects of hot wildlife and water.
Particularly affected Switzerland
Switzerland is on the front line of global warming: the rise in temperatures reached there +2.3 ° C between 2015 and 2024 (compared to 1951-1980), twice as much as the world average. According to the UN, it is among the ten most affected countries. But why such a phenomenon with us? First, because Switzerland has no access to the sea. It therefore does not benefit from the buffer effect of the water masses which absorb large amounts of heat. In addition, the melting of snow and glaciers makes less sunlight can be reflected towards space. And the rocked rocks then absorb heat more. “The significant proportion of mountain regions is one of the main factors explaining why Switzerland warms faster,” said meteosuissee untersee meteorologist on RTS in July.