Switzerland hit a record-breaking 38.8 °C in Basel on Friday, marking the highest June temperature ever recorded in the city since measurements began in 1897. According to the national weather service MeteoSwiss, this figure surpassed the previous record of 38 °C set just one day earlier, signaling an intense, unabated heatwave across the region.
Why are Swiss temperatures reaching historic highs?
The record-breaking heat in Basel is part of a broader trend of rising temperatures. MeteoSwiss reported on X that new heat records were set at multiple stations throughout Switzerland, extending beyond just June benchmarks. The 38.8 °C reading at the Basel/Binningen station eclipsed the previous June record, which had stood since 1947.
The all-time temperature record for the entire country of Switzerland remains 41.5 °C. This was measured in Grono, in the Graubunden canton, on August 11, 2003.
What is the forecast for the coming days?
MeteoSwiss warns that the heat may intensify further. Forecasts indicate that Saturday could see temperatures ranging between 38 and 39 °C. The service stated that hitting 40 °C in Basel is a possibility. If temperatures reach this threshold, it would be the first time such a measurement has been recorded north of the Alps in Switzerland.
How do current records compare to historical data?
For decades, the 1947 record served as the benchmark for June heat in Basel. In just 24 hours, that record was broken twice. While the 2003 heatwave in the southern canton of Graubunden remains the national peak, the intensity of this current wave in the north is notable.
Pro Tip: Staying Safe During Extreme Heat
Stay hydrated, keep indoor environments shaded, and monitor local weather updates from official sources like MeteoSwiss.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is 38.8 °C the hottest temperature ever recorded in Switzerland? No. The national record is 41.5 °C, recorded in 2003 in the south of the country.
- Why is Basel experiencing such extreme heat? The heat continues unabated, with new temperature records measured at many stations.
- Has Switzerland ever hit 40 °C north of the Alps? Not yet. Meteorologists note that reaching this mark would be a historic first for that specific region.
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