Remit and legal mandate

The following tasks are set out in the Federal Act on Meteorology and Climatology (MetG, SR 429.1):

The Swiss Federation, represented by MeteoSwiss,

• collects meteorological and climatological data on a continuous basis for the whole of Switzerland.
• participates in the collection, exchange and analysis of international meteorological and climatological data.
• issues weather warnings.
• provides meteorological information for aviation and air-traffic safety over Switzerland.
• provides climatological information and implements measures to secure a healthy environment for the long-term future.
• monitors radioactivity in the atmosphere and provides a meteorological basis for calculating the distribution of air pollutants.
• promotes theoretical meteorology and climatology and carries out application-oriented research and development projects.
• provides additional meteorological and climatological services to meet the needs of the general public.

The provisions of the Federal Act are concretized in the Ordinance on Meteorology and Climatology (MetV; SR 429.11).

EMBAG

On March 17 2023, the National Council and the Council of States have given their final consent to the Federal Act on the use of electronic means for the performance of official duties (EMBAG) and the herewith connected revision of the Federal Act on Meteorology and Climatology (MetG, SR 429.1). Article 10 EMBAG forms the basis for the implementation of Open Government Data (OGD) in the context of the Federal administration. By amending article 3 MetG the general obligation to pay fees for meteorological and climatological data shall be abolished.

Under the condition that no referendum is filed against the new Federal Act within 100 days the Federal Council will define the date of its entry into force. After entry into force the concerned administrative units will be given a period of three years for the implementation of OGD (article 19 paragraph 1 EMBAG).

OGD@MeteoSwiss

In order to legally implement EMBAG the overall revision of the Ordinance on Meteorology and Climatology (MetV; SR 429.11) is now pending. In this regard a consultation is planned in the course of this year 2023. The necessary technical and organizational measures for the implementation of OGD at MeteoSwiss will be tackled within the scope of a project.

According to the current schedule the implemenation of OGD at MeteoSwiss may be expected during the second half of the year 2024. However, adherence to this schedule depends on the availability of corresponding resources.

Further information

• Press Release, 30 August 2023: Vernehmlassung zur Totalrevision der Verordnung über die Meteorologie und Klimatologie eröffnet (german)
• Parliamentary debate to item of business 22.022: Use of electronic means for the performance of official duties
• «Open Government Data» strategy of the Federal Council 2019-2023 from november 30 2018

Weather events play a decisive role when it comes to dealing with technological and natural disasters as well as military operations. The aim of the “Coordinated Organisation Weather” is to provide all interested civilian and military agencies with weather data and weather information for every situation. MeteoSwiss coordinates this cooperation with the Armed Forces and the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP). This work includes:

• Ensuring that weather information is provided to civilian and military command levels in special or extraordinary circumstances.
• Collecting the requisite weather data for producing the various weather service products.
• Securing the sharing and exchange of the existing civil and military weather infrastructure, weather data and associated resources.
• Coordinating specialised training in the military and civilian domains.

Further information on the Coordinated Weather Service

As part of the Federal Administration’s management model, MeteoSwiss is managed in a performance and impact-oriented manner. At the heart of the model is the budget with its integrated activity and financial plan. Activities are bundled into performance groups, with measurable targets set for each group. The agency has a degree of operational freedom, since its expenses are bundled in a global budget. The performance and impact targets from the budget, along with additional specifications, are set out in the annually-reviewed service agreements.