After the beginning of the month saw temperature records smashed in the Alps, there are signs that winter is finally on its way to Switzerland. After a mild and foggy weekend, the mercury across the cantons is set to drop next week, with the first snowfall predicted for areas below the mountains.

Spring-like temperatures reported across Switzerland

Over the past few weeks, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the weather in Switzerland had skipped autumn and winter and was already in the warm embrace of spring. On November 1, double-digit temperatures were reported in the highest ski resorts, stoking fears that the start of the 2024 / 25 ski season could be delayed because of a lack of snow. 

These warm conditions are expected to continue at the end of the week. Friday will see fog and low clouds grip most Swiss cities, with temperatures in lower areas peaking at 11 degrees celsius. Cloud and fog cover is expected to persist throughout the weekend, though by Sunday temperatures will have started to drop.

For those who need their vitamin D, the mountains are expected to experience bright sunshine and comparatively warm temperatures of up to 10 degrees on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The warmest climes can be found south of the Alps, where Canton Ticino should see bright sunshine and 15-degree temperatures on Sunday.

Winter to arrive in Switzerland with a flurry of snow

However, from next week, winter is finally set to arrive in Switzerland, with temperatures dropping from Monday onwards. While cloud and scattered showers will dominate, conditions will eventually start to resemble the fourth season.

On Tuesday, SRF Meteo predicted that the Alps will be blanketed with snow, with peak temperatures falling below zero in the most popular ski resorts. It will be especially chilly in the high Alps: on Jungfraujoch for example, tourists will have to wrap up warm as it won’t get above minus 11 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Will Swiss cities get their first helping of snow?

What’s more, there is a chance that the first Swiss cities will be given a dusting of snow, with SRF Meteo predicting that the snow line will fall between 800 and 1.200 metres above sea level. Among the largest cities, Chur, St. Gallen and Bern have the highest chance to see their first coating of powder, with temperatures dropping to between 2 and 3 degrees overnight.

Sadly for the residents of Lausanne, Geneva, Basel and Zurich conditions will remain stubbornly warm, with western and northern areas of the country seeing temperatures of between 7 and 10 degrees. Clouds and scattered rain showers should be expected throughout the start of next week.

Luckily for those who are fans of snow, SRF Meteo predicted that things will continue to cool north of the Alps as the week continues.