Drought 2026: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Summer 2026 was extremely hot and dry, with average temperatures 2°C higher than normal.
• The leaves of the forest trees were brown as early as June, a sign of a difficult winter for the local flora.
• Watercourse levels were at historic lows, 60% lower than the annual average.

Causes of drought

Drought 2026 was caused by a combination of climatic and geographical factors. The average temperature of the planet has increased by 1°C in the last 50 years, leading to an increase in summer rainfall. In addition, Switzerland is a mountainous country with a complex geology, which can affect the distribution of rainfall.

Impacts on Switzerland

The drought had significant impacts on Switzerland. Agricultural production was reduced by 20% compared to the annual average, with a particularly strong impact on cereal and legume crops. In addition, water scarcity led to a reduction in hydroelectric production by 15%.

Emergency measures

To address the drought, the Swiss government has taken several emergency measures. The Federal Law on Emergency Measures (LME) of May 15, 2023, authorized the distribution of funds to help farmers affected by drought. In addition, the government has launched a support plan for hydroelectric companies, with an amount of 100 million francs.

Operational Checklists

To address the

Operational details

Key facts - What: Extreme drought in Switzerland. - When: August 2026. - Where: Swiss Plateau. - Who: WSL and SLF. - Amount: 4.5% and 14%. ## Drought 2026: frequently asked questions and answers Extreme drought in Switzerland is a very topical issue, which is causing concerns for the environment, the economy and the population. The two main bodies involved in drought management are the WSL (Federal Research Institute for Forestry, Jungle and Landscape) and the SLF (Federal Institute of Technology of St. Gallen). This article answers frequently asked questions about drought 2026 and provides useful information to understand the situation. # ## What is extreme drought in Switzerland? Extreme drought in Switzerland refers to a prolonged period of lack of rainfall, which is causing dehydration of plants and animals. According to WSL data, the drought was particularly severe in the canton of Graubünden, where temperatures were higher than normal. # ## When did the drought start? The drought in Switzerland began in July 2026 and lasted until August. According to data from the Swiss Meteorological Service, rainfall was 40% lower than normal. # ## Where is the drought most severe? Drought is most severe in mountainous territory, where plants and animals are most sensitive to climatic conditions. According to WSL data, the most affected municipalities are those According to WSL data, the green area helped reduce the temperature by 2°C and prevent dehydration of plants and animals. - Example 2: The canton of Graubünden has managed water resources to prevent the loss of water resources and mitigate the effects of drought. According to SLF data, water resource management has helped prevent the loss of water resources and mitigate the effects of drought. - Example 3: The city of Scuol has prevented natural disasters to prevent the loss of water resources and mitigate the effects of drought. According to WSL data, natural disaster prevention has helped prevent the loss of water resources and mitigate the effects of drought. # ## Regulations Here are some regulations related to drought: - Federal Water Law of April 28, 1981: This law establishes the rules for water resource management and the prevention of natural disasters. - Federal Law on Forests of 21 June 1966: this law establishes the rules for forest management and drought prevention. - Cantonal Law of Graubünden on Water of 22 January 2004: this law establishes the rules for the management of water resources and the prevention of natural disasters in the canton of Graubünden. # ## Resources Here are some helpful resources for understanding drought:

Key points

Drought 2026: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

On 24 August 2026, the WSL (Federal Office for the Environment) and the SLF (Federal Office for Science and Technology) answered frequently asked questions about extreme drought in Switzerland. The situation is extraordinary, with values at historic lows in many rivers in Switzerland. The Aabach level (LU/AG) has never been so low since the measurements began, and the Hallwill Lake (AG) flow rate has never been as low as in July. Precipitation has been decidedly below the long-term average, while temperatures are often above the level typical of this time of year.

The drought is caused by a combination of several factors, including little snowfall over the Alps during the winter and well below average rainfall in Central Europe starting in April. The summer of 2026 was extremely hot and dry, with the leaves of brown forest trees as early as June. Waterway levels have been at all-time lows, and the situation has worsened since mid-July.

Drought is a serious problem that requires a rapid and effective response. To return to normal, you need longer rainfall and cover larger areas, but not too intense, otherwise they can cause surface runoff and flooding. According to experts, Switzerland needs an amount of rainfall that is at least 30% higher than the average of

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Source: admin.ch