Contents area

Frost

Ground frost occurs when the temperature close to the ground (measured 5 cm above the natural ground level) falls below the freezing point. This can have certain damaging effects on agriculture and construction.

Footer

Top bar Navigation

Swiss federal authoritiesSwiss federal authorities

Hazard category 2 (moderate hazard)

Possible impacts

Plants could be damaged by frost.

Description of measurement and prognostic values

Ground frost may be light to moderate or heavy:

  • Light to moderate: at temperatures (at 5 cm above the ground) between 0 °C and -4 °C
  • Heavy: at temperatures (at 5 cm above the ground) below -4 °C *

Recommendations for action

Recommendations during frost

Notes

Only hazard category 2 exists.

Ground frost warnings are only issued between 15 March and 31 October and for low-lying areas (below 600 m above sea level).

Ground frost also occurs in the winter but since this is not unusual for the season, warnings are not issued during this period..