Switzerland: Temperatures Up To 20°C & High Pollen Count Signal Spring Arrival

Early Spring Arrives in Switzerland, Bringing Warmth and Pollen Concerns

A high-pressure system is bringing unseasonably warm weather to Switzerland, with temperatures in Ticino reaching 20°C (68°F) on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. This marks a significant departure from typical winter conditions, arriving approximately three weeks ahead of the historical average.

The town of Cevio, in the southern canton of Ticino, experienced the unusually high temperatures, according to MeteoSwiss, Switzerland’s national meteorological service. Historically, the region doesn’t typically see temperatures above 20°C until around March 15th, based on averages from 1991 to 2020. The current warmth is effectively skipping the final stages of winter, creating a strikingly early start to spring.

While the calendar still indicates winter, the atmosphere in Ticino is already reflecting spring-like conditions. The mild weather is expected to cause the snow line to rise above 3,200 meters (10,499 feet).

However, the early arrival of warmer temperatures isn’t solely a cause for celebration. MeteoSwiss warns that the changing climate is also contributing to an earlier and potentially more intense pollen season. Rising temperatures are triggering an earlier release of pollen from trees like hazel, alder, and birch, impacting allergy sufferers.

MeteoSwiss provides pollen forecasts and maps updated every six hours, detailing concentrations of various pollen types across Switzerland, including hazel, alder, birch, grasses, and ragweed. These resources are available to the public, allowing individuals to monitor pollen counts in their specific locations. The pollen season typically runs from approximately January to the end of September.

The Swiss Allergy Centre has already noted the beginning of a strong pollen season, with grass pollen currently being released. This follows a brief respite due to cooler weather in late April 2025.

The current high-pressure system extending from the western Mediterranean to the Alps is the primary driver of the warm weather. The impact of this system is being closely monitored by MeteoSwiss, as it continues to influence weather patterns across the country.

For those sensitive to pollen, staying informed about daily allergy forecasts and pollen levels in specific cities like Basel, Brig, and Geneva is crucial. Resources like the Switzerland Pollen Map offer detailed information to help individuals manage their allergies during this unusually early spring.