The Swiss weather is set to give the country one last surprise before 2022 is over, bringing a blast of warm weather to the nation’s new year celebrations this coming weekend. Forecasters are predicting temperatures could reach up to 16,9 degrees celsius at the weekend - setting a new temperature record for many areas of Switzerland. 

Switzerland to be as hot as Spain and Portugal

According to forecasts from MeteoSwiss, Switzerland could be as warm as Spain and Portugal over the New Year period, with temperatures set to peak at 16,9 degrees in some areas. In certain parts of the country, the existing New Year’s Eve temperature record is around 13 degrees - easily beatable according to weather forecasters, although other Swiss cantons have higher temperature records for the festive season, which may prove more difficult to break. 

While temperatures of over 10 degrees are rare in the middle of Switzerland’s winters, the country has had a relatively mild season so far, causing disruption for ski resorts and other popular winter hotspots. Many areas in the mountains have already resorted to using snow cannons and artificial snow to prepare their slopes for visitors, as the snow line drops further.

2022 one of Switzerland’s most record-breaking years for weather

2022 has already seen some of the most dramatic weather in Switzerland for a while. Throughout the spring, summer, autumn and winter, temperature records have been smashed, with the country experiencing the sunniest July on record, not to mention the three heatwaves that gripped the country this year. 

As many Swiss cities prepare to ring in 2023 with some great New Year’s celebrations, meteorologists' eyes now turn to forecasting the weather for 2023. Let’s hope the new year will bring yet more golden sunshine and, hopefully, a bit more snow before the winter ends!