Following the return of icy conditions to Swiss cities over the weekend, the country is now expected to fall further into the freezer. Sub-zero conditions are set to be the norm over the next few days, with temperatures as low as -10 degrees celsius expected in some built-up areas.

Freezing temperatures to grip Switzerland from January 13

According to the latest forecast, the weather in Switzerland will be even colder from January 13 onwards. The reason for the frigid conditions is a high-pressure area spreading from the English Channel across the Netherlands and Germany over the coming days.

The week will start with bitterly cold but sunny conditions across the country, with Swiss cities seeing temperatures of between freezing and -5 degrees. The coldest conditions are expected in Swiss ski resorts (lows of between -11 and -20 degrees are forecast), St. Gallen (low of -7), Engelberg (-10) and Chur (-7). Further adding to the deep freeze, moderate to high winds will blow throughout the day.

-10 degrees possible in suburban areas

There’s no chance of ditching the jacket on Tuesday either, with icy cold conditions to persist until at least January 16. Though bright sunshine is forecast for across the country, cities like Zurich, Lucerne, Bern and Lausanne will see the mercury hover between 1 and -6 degrees. Some suburban and rural areas of the lowlands could see conditions cool to -10 degrees, while in the mountains, lows of -13 are expected.

Drivers, especially those headed through alpine passes in the mountains, have been warned to watch out for icy conditions on the roads. Avalanche warnings also remain in place in practically all areas of the Alps.

Fog and warmer climes to arrive in Swiss cities by Thursday

The sunshine will partially give way to foggy weather in the north of Switzerland on Wednesday, breaking at 1.000 metres above sea level. However, this blanket will allow temperatures to rise, though only to a maximum of 2 degrees.

By Thursday, conditions will continue to warm to between -2 at night and between 2 and 3 degrees during the day. Bright sunshine will persist, making this week ideal for those looking to carve some powder in the mountains. On Friday, MeteoSuisse reported that "on the northern side of the Alps, especially in the morning, there will be extensive high fog patches, otherwise mainly sunny. Maximum temperatures around 3 degrees."