Switzerland braces for heavy rain and snow as weather shifts sharply

Switzerland is set for a sharp shift in weather this week, with heavy rain and falling snow levels expected. The changes will begin on Wednesday evening, bringing unsettled conditions that will last through the weekend.

The rain will arrive on Wednesday night, first hitting French-speaking regions before spreading east overnight. By Thursday morning, most of the country will be affected. Snow levels will also drop to around 1,200 metres during this time.

Conditions will briefly improve on Thursday, with patches of sunshine and temperatures climbing into the low double digits. But the relief will be short-lived. A cold front from the west will take hold by the weekend, pushing the snow line down to 800 metres by Saturday. Next week, the weather will stay changeable, alternating between rain and sunshine. Temperatures are forecast to range between 10 and 17 degrees Celsius, though the unsettled pattern will continue.

The coming days will bring a mix of heavy rain, falling snow levels, and brief sunny spells. After a colder weekend, next week's temperatures will recover slightly, but the weather will remain unpredictable. Residents should prepare for rapidly changing conditions.