How the devastating thunderstorm over Zurich occurred

A powerful thunderstorm ravaged Zurich and its surrounding areas on Friday evening, leaving a trail of destruction. The storm uprooted trees, inundated basements, and resulted in a serious injury to a 16-year-old.

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The conditions for the storm's development were ideal.

Meteorologists at Meteo Schweiz noted that the conditions for the storm's development were "ideal." A hot day combined with sufficient moisture in the air created the necessary environment. However, an additional "lifting mechanism" was required to push the warm, energy-rich air higher, initiating the storm.

According to Andreas Asch, a meteorologist with Meteo Schweiz, a weak disturbance in the upper atmosphere acted as the trigger. This disturbance moved across Switzerland from west to east, introducing colder air at higher altitudes. This temperature difference destabilized the air layers, fostering the growth of cumulonimbus clouds and ultimately leading to the thunderstorm.

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The storm's intensity, particularly the strong winds, was amplified because it formed at a relatively high altitude.

Asch explained that the storm's intensity, particularly the strong winds, was amplified because it formed at a relatively high altitude. Rain falling from these high clouds created downdrafts, and the resulting temperature and pressure differences generated powerful winds. While wind speeds in the Zurich region were measured at around 70 kilometers per hour, Asch clarified that this is not an exceptionally strong storm, citing a record gust of 190 km/h in 1985. However, the rainfall was significant, with over 50 millimeters recorded in a short period in areas like Sihlbrugg and Walde, contributing to the extensive flooding.

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This is not a big storm; we have had significantly stronger winds, also in connection with thunderstorms.