MeteoSwiss, the national weather service, fulfils important duties for the population, the state and business. As well as providing general weather forecasts, MeteoSwiss warns the appropriate authorities of the Cantons if there is a danger of strong winds, heavy precipitation or thunderstorms. Protected information channels make sure that these warnings can be reliably transmitted at all times.
In recent years, weather information services have "gone mobile". Everywhere and at all times, the most up-to-date forecasts are available via the Internet, as well as SMS and MMS messages. This means that each and every person, from the farmer to the mountain climber, can get on-the-spot information on the latest development of weather conditions.
Inspection of the weather station at Säntis
Many branches of industry require specific weather information. For example, MeteoSwiss issues frost warnings to people working in agriculture, and, in winter, snow forcasts to those responsible for road maintenance. Insurance companies and power plants also access relevant weather and climate data. Civil, military and private aviation rely on a highly specialised weather consultancy service for pilots and airports.
The basis for all of these activities is a nationwide monitoring network which provides meteorological data. Observations made on the ground are complemented by information from weather balloons as well as by radar and satellite images, . Enormous quantities of data are exchanged internationally. In addition, the meteorology of today would be inconceivable without the use of models operated on high-performance computers to calculate the expected weather development.
The basis for all of these activities is a nationwide monitoring network which provides meteorological data. Observations made on the ground are complemented by information from weather balloons as well as by radar and satellite images, . Enormous quantities of data are exchanged internationally. In addition, the meteorology of today would be inconceivable without the use of models operated on high-performance computers to calculate the expected weather development.
Thunderstorm over Lake Geneva
It is not just the weather of tomorrow that is of interest, but also the way in which our climate is developing. In order to research the phenomenon of climate change, experts use long-term, reliable series of measurements. These records are collected and analysed. Scientists at MeteoSwiss are engaged in research and development projects aimed at a better understanding of climate phenomena. An important research focus is on Alpine meteorology and climatology.
The weather does not stop at our national borders. MeteoSwiss participates in the work of international bodies dealing with weather and climate issues, as well as being Switzerland's official representative in the WMO (World Meteorological Organization) in Geneva.
MeteoSwiss has evolved steadily ever since the first national observation network was set up in the 19th century. Today, it employs approximately 270 people at its locations in Zurich, Zurich Airport, Geneva, Payerne and Locarno-Monti. MeteoSwiss works in co-operation with such partners as universities and research institutes, as well as with interested parties in the private sector. I
In the future and in connection with climate change, climate monitoring and weather warnings will increase in significance. As a country in the Alps, Switzerland is susceptible to natural events with high damage potential. MeteoSwiss is working intensively on the further development of an infrastructure that responds to the requirements of civil protection and on its know-how as a centre of excellence for Alpine meteorology and climatology.
The weather does not stop at our national borders. MeteoSwiss participates in the work of international bodies dealing with weather and climate issues, as well as being Switzerland's official representative in the WMO (World Meteorological Organization) in Geneva.
MeteoSwiss has evolved steadily ever since the first national observation network was set up in the 19th century. Today, it employs approximately 270 people at its locations in Zurich, Zurich Airport, Geneva, Payerne and Locarno-Monti. MeteoSwiss works in co-operation with such partners as universities and research institutes, as well as with interested parties in the private sector. I
In the future and in connection with climate change, climate monitoring and weather warnings will increase in significance. As a country in the Alps, Switzerland is susceptible to natural events with high damage potential. MeteoSwiss is working intensively on the further development of an infrastructure that responds to the requirements of civil protection and on its know-how as a centre of excellence for Alpine meteorology and climatology.
