Severe weather warnings have been issued across Switzerland and parts of Germany as heavy rain and thunderstorms threaten to disrupt the Easter weekend. In Switzerland, the Valais region is facing the highest rain warning level, while Dortmund is bracing for strong thunderstorms.
Since Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Swiss government has placed two areas in the Valais region under the highest rain warning level 5, indicating "very great danger" of flooding and debris flows. This warning applies to the southern Simplon region and the upper Saastal, where meteorologists predict significant rainfall. Now, the northern Simplon region and Binntal have also been added to the areas under this severe warning.
According to MeteoSchweiz, precipitation levels in these areas are expected to reach between 150 and 250 millimeters by Thursday evening, April 17, 2025. Additionally, new snow accumulation above 2000 meters is anticipated to be between 60 and 120 centimeters, with some localities possibly seeing up to 150 centimeters. The warning is currently valid until Maundy Thursday at 6 p.m.
In other parts of Valais, different warning levels are in effect. Regions with a warning level of 4, indicating "great danger," are expected to receive between 80 and 150 mm of rain, along with 40 to 60 centimeters of new snow above 1500 meters. Meanwhile, warning level 3, denoting "considerable danger," applies to areas in the Berner Oberland, where similar precipitation levels are forecasted. In contrast, warning level 2, which signifies "moderate danger," has been issued for other regions in Switzerland, including Ticino, where Easter weekend weather is also expected to be less than ideal.
Across the border in Germany, the German Weather Service (DWD) issued a weather warning for Dortmund on the same day. The initial warning was at level 2 of 4, categorized as "Markantes Wetter," and was in effect until 3:30 p.m. for the northern half of the city. Shortly after, the DWD renewed its warnings, this time predicting strong thunderstorms for both the northern and southern parts of Dortmund.
The renewed warning was extended until 7 p.m. on April 15, 2025, with forecasts indicating possible rainfall amounts of up to 25 liters per square meter per hour and wind gusts reaching speeds of 60 km/h. Fortunately, by Tuesday evening, the Dortmund fire department reported no weather-related incidents had occurred.
Looking ahead, weather forecasts suggest that rain will continue to be a factor in Dortmund. According to wetteronline.de's rain radar, precipitation is likely on Wednesday evening, April 16, 2025, with showers also possible on Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025. As for the Easter weekend, temperatures in Dortmund may fall into the single digits or just below double digits on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, and Holy Saturday, April 19, 2025. However, by Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, and Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the sun is expected to make a return, bringing a slight increase in temperatures.
This severe weather situation highlights the unpredictability of springtime conditions in both Switzerland and Germany. Residents are urged to stay informed about changing weather conditions and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this turbulent weather period.
