Switzerland measures record altitude of 5,184 meters for temperature of 0 degrees Celsius

For the first time, the Swiss Meteorological Service has measured a temperature of 0 degrees Celsius at an altitude of 5,184 meters. Over the past few days, a stream of warm and hot air has drifted over Switzerland from the southwest.

The previous record was July 20, 1995. Then a temperature of 0 degrees was measured at an altitude of 5,117 meters. In recent days, mercury had risen to freezing point in numerous places above 5,000 meters in Switzerland. Exceptionally warm air is now being supplied at that altitude from the west of France, Spain and Portugal and from North Africa.

The new record measurement was recorded with balloons near Payerne, in the Western canton of Vaud or Vaud, not far from Lake Neuchâtel.

MétéoSuisse – the meteorological service in Switzerland-warns that that warm air carries dangers. As a result, the rocks and ice of high-altitude glaciers become unstable, and landslides and avalanches are threatened. Hiking and trekking in the mountains is becoming more dangerous.

It is striking that the other record years are also not so far behind us with 2017, 2019, 2007 and 2001. There is a clear evolution towards warmer weather, also at high altitudes, warns MétéoSuisse. The past winter was also mild and if it were to happen again, more landslides threaten, the service said.