Federal Council commissions MeteoSwiss to prepare a drought situation assessment for Switzerland

MeteoSwiss provides the basis

The drought is affecting numerous areas of daily life. In addition to harvest losses in agriculture, low water levels in bodies of water and restrictions — for example for shipping on the Rhine — are also issues. According to information from the press conference, the federal government and the cantons are closely monitoring the developments.

The Department of Economic Affairs stated that the responsible offices are continuously assessing the situation. Economics Minister Albert Rösti and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider are involved in the political stewardship of the drought issue. This concerns both short-term relief measures and structural questions of water supply.

With a view to the coming weeks, the spokesperson referred to the immediate importance of the situation assessment. It is intended to enable the Federal Council to act quickly and on the basis of current data. Possible decisions are expected once the analysis is available. No date for extraordinary measures was given.

Agriculture under pressure

The agricultural sector had drawn attention to the difficult situation in recent days. Feed shortages, parched soils, and reduced yields are among the frequently cited consequences. Industry representatives are calling for concrete support, for example with livestock feed transports or financial assistance.

The reporting on the drought is being picked up by various media outlets. MeteoSwiss analyses and reports from the cantons are considered data sources. Shipping on the Rhine is also affected, as low water levels are hampering freight traffic on the river. The federal government and the cantons are in contact on this matter.

Rhine shipping and further consequences

The current situation illustrates Switzerland's vulnerability to extreme weather events. Observers point out that weather patterns of this kind have become more frequent in recent years. The situation assessment now requested is also intended to clarify the extent to which further measures are necessary.