Switzerland's Heat Report: A Journey Through a Hot, Dry Land

Switzerland is enduring another sweltering week, with temperatures reaching 32 degrees Celsius in Meikirch, canton Bern. Farmer Daniel Etter described the situation as a "catastrophe," as his corn crop is stunted, reaching only his chest instead of towering over him. The dry soil has yielded miniature corn cobs, a stark contrast to previous years.

Etter and his brother manage 48 hectares of land, now characterized by parched grass and stressed livestock. Their 28 cows are confined to a barn equipped with large fans for cooling, as they are more comfortable at 20 degrees Celsius. The heat reduces their milk yield and impacts their ability to calve. The farmers are already feeding their cows hay intended for winter, a situation Etter has never experienced in August. They are forced to import feed from Germany at a cost of 10,000 francs per wagonload to sustain the animals until spring.

The impact of the heat extends beyond crops and livestock. The article also touches upon the experiences of people in other settings, including a top tourist destination like Zermatt, a heat hotline in Brig-Glis, ferry operators in Ellikon am Rhein, and concerns at power plants in Schaffhausen. The dry conditions have also affected pear trees around Etter's farm, with their fruit appearing shriveled and brown.