Heatwave forces Swiss authorities to act
A heatwave is continuing to hold many parts of Switzerland in its grip despite some heavy thunderstorms.
Temperatures reached 36.7°C in the city of Geneva on Wednesday, slightly down on the previous day.
An increasing number of local and regional authorities have announced a ban on open fires and fireworks near forests as a precautionary measure.
Water levels in several rivers and lakes have dropped low as experts warn of a serious risk for fish and reptiles.
The authorities in the mountain resort of Nendaz decided to refill a mountain lake situated at more than 2,200m above sea level. The Tracouet LakeExternal link is home to a large population of amphibians and exceptional alpine flora.
The River Aare, popular with swimmers in the Swiss capital, Bern, reached a record 23.9°C.
Thunderstorms and hail, notably in the Bernese Oberland region and in western Switzerland, brought temporary relief, but temperatures are expected to remain high.
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