Switzerland: Drought drives water levels to record lows across rivers and lakes
Bern/ Severe drought in Switzerland has pushed water levels in rivers, canals and lakes to historic lows, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) said, reporting that monitoring stations recorded the lowest water levels for this time of year between 1 April and 31 July — about one-fifth of typical levels.FOEN said many waterways north…
Bern/ Severe drought in Switzerland has pushed water levels in rivers, canals and lakes to historic lows, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) said, reporting that monitoring stations recorded the lowest water levels for this time of year between 1 April and 31 July — about one-fifth of typical levels.
FOEN said many waterways north of the Alps are at flows that occur only once every two to ten years, and in some places only once every 30 to 100 years or less. Several major lakes, including Lake Constance, Lake Walen, Lake Zurich, Lake Zug and Lake Maggiore, are also experiencing unusually low water levels.
The federal office cautioned that while Switzerland still has “ample water resources” overall, climate change is likely to alter the availability and timing of those resources. Prolonged drought can affect agriculture, hydroelectric production, ecosystems and everyday water supply.
Europe is currently facing an intense heatwave with temperatures rising above 36°C in many areas, adding stress to water systems and prompting daytime outdoor work restrictions and public safety advisories in several countries. Earlier reports have indicated that up to 70 percent of the UK has been affected by drought conditions.
