Switzerland introduces nationwide early warning system for drought
Dry periods are increasing in Switzerland and lasting longer. This can pose a challenge for agriculture, energy and drinking water supply, shipping, and various ecosystems.
In order to be able to systematically monitor and predict the drought situation in Switzerland, the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN, the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss, and the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo have jointly developed an early detection and warning system.
On 8 May 2025, this system commenced operations across the whole of Switzerland.
Climate change may lead to longer drought periods occurring more frequently. These affect soils and water bodies, weaken ecosystems, increase the risk of forest fires, and harm agriculture and other sectors. From 8 May 2025, a Switzerland-wide early detection and warning system for drought is available, bringing together meteorological, hydrological, and satellite-based data. The drought information platform (www.trockenheit.admin.ch) was developed by the FOEN, MeteoSwiss, and swisstopo. It complements the existing federal services in the area of information and warnings for natural hazards and implements the mandate of the Federal Council of 18 May 2022.
Drought platform: current situation, forecasts, and warnings
The drought platform provides uniformly prepared information on the current drought situation in the various regions of Switzerland, as well as forecasts for the next four weeks. Data on past events can also be retrieved. To this end, existing monitoring networks and forecasting models have been specifically supplemented with new information based on satellite data and long-range forecasts, e.g. for precipitation. Measurement data on soil moisture and water body temperatures are expected to be integrated from 2026 onwards.
If prolonged dry periods are forecast, additional drought warnings will be published on the information platform and disseminated through existing warning channels, such as the federal natural hazards portal.
The national early warning system for drought forms the basis for the proactive management of dry periods. It increases societal safety by minimising damage and shortfalls in basic supply. The information and early warnings make it easier for cantons and municipalities to plan or initiate concrete measures, such as adjusting water withdrawals from watercourses or shutting off public fountains. Where necessary, they can issue behavioural guidance to the public.
The early warning system is to be improved and strategically expanded in the coming years based on accumulated experience.
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