Bern Canton experienced exceptionally low temperatures this week, with readings plummeting well below zero. Early Tuesday morning saw conditions approaching those typically found at much higher altitudes, impacting daily life across the region.
Key Takeaways
- Bern-Belpmoos recorded -17 degrees Celsius on Tuesday morning.
- Temperatures in Thierachern reached -16 degrees Celsius.
- Langnau saw temperatures drop to -15.5 degrees Celsius.
- The cold snap is expected to last until Thursday.
- La Brévine holds the record for Switzerland's coldest temperature at -41.8 degrees Celsius.
Extreme Cold Grips Bern Region
Residents of Bern Canton woke to a bitter cold on Tuesday, January 6th. Measurement stations across the region reported temperatures significantly below -10 degrees Celsius. This marked a sharp drop, creating icy conditions for the start of the day.
The coldest point recorded was at Bern-Belpmoos, where the thermometer showed a frigid -17 degrees Celsius at 7:40 AM. This reading highlights the severity of the cold front currently affecting Switzerland.
Coldest Spots in Bern Canton
- Bern-Belpmoos: -17°C
- Thierachern: -16°C
- Boltigen: -15.8°C
- Langnau: -15.5°C
- Koppigen: -15°C
Temperatures Rival High Alpine Conditions
The temperatures observed in the lower regions of Bern Canton were remarkably close to those recorded at much higher elevations. For comparison, the Jungfraujoch, situated at approximately 3,500 meters above sea level, registered -22.7 degrees Celsius on the same morning. This difference of only a few degrees underscores the unusual intensity of the cold in the valleys.
In Thierachern, thermometers dropped to -16 degrees Celsius. The Emmental region also experienced severe frost. Langnau reported -15.5 degrees Celsius, while Koppigen measured -15 degrees Celsius. In the Obersimmental, Boltigen saw temperatures fall to -15.8 degrees Celsius.
"Every sphere is unique and short-lived," shared a reader from Wimmis, describing her frozen soap bubble artwork.
Creative Responses to the Freeze
Despite the biting cold, some residents found unique ways to engage with the extreme weather. A reader from Wimmis, located in the Niedersimmental, took advantage of the sub-zero conditions to create ephemeral art.
She crafted soap bubbles that froze into intricate ice crystals. For soap bubbles to freeze, the temperature needs to be at least -3 degrees Celsius and the air must be still. The current conditions easily met these requirements, allowing for delicate ice formations.
Switzerland's Coldest Place
While Bern Canton is experiencing significant cold, the record for the lowest temperature ever measured in Switzerland belongs to La Brévine in Canton Neuchâtel. On January 12, 1987, the village recorded an astonishing -41.8 degrees Celsius. This historical event highlights the extreme cold potential in certain Swiss regions.
Outlook for the Coming Days
The current cold spell is not expected to last indefinitely. Weather forecasts indicate that these icy temperatures will persist until Thursday. Following this, a gradual warming trend is anticipated, bringing some relief to the affected areas.
Residents should continue to take precautions against the cold in the interim. This includes dressing warmly and minimizing prolonged exposure to the freezing air. The change in weather will be a welcome development for many.