Swiss authorities have issued the highest possible weather alert as severe storms, heavy rain, and snowfall are expected to hit the country starting Tuesday afternoon through Thursday. The canton of Valais is at the epicenter of the warning, according to national weather service MeteoSwiss.
The Upper Saas Valley and southern Simplon region are now under Level 5 alert—the most critical level under the federal classification. Officials warn of extreme flooding, landslides, and debris flows. “We are expecting significant rises in water levels in rivers and lakes, with widespread flooding highly likely,” MeteoSwiss reported.
Nearby regions such as the Upper Mattertal Valley and Binn Valley are under Level 4 alert, with imminent localized flooding and surging water levels.
Severe weather is also expected across western Switzerland, where thunderstorms will bring heavy rain and intense lightning activity. The worst conditions are forecasted from Tuesday at 4:00 PM until around 10:00 PM, potentially disrupting road traffic and causing power outages.
According to SRF Meteo, rainfall in the hardest-hit regions could reach between 120 and 200 mm, while up to two meters of fresh snow could blanket higher alpine zones. The Bernese Oberland and Gotthard region are also forecasted to receive between 40 and 70 cm of snow from Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon.
While a brief weather break is expected over the weekend with sunnier intervals and a slight rise in temperatures, new rainfall is projected for Sunday, particularly in southern and central Switzerland.
The Swiss federal government is urging all citizens to follow emergency advisories and safety instructions closely to reduce the risk posed by flooding and landslides.
