Short History of Meteorology in Switzerland

There are numerous systematic recordings of the weather in the past in Switzerland. Very few of them are of modern scientific interest. With the invention in the 17th century of measuring instruments like the thermometer and the barometer, the comparison of measurements became possible. Meteorology as a precise science was born.

Installation of an observation network with twelve stations by the Swiss Nature Research Society (SNRS). It was unsuccessful but was continued on a private or cantonal level

The SNRS decides to set up a national observation network with financial support from the government

Observations commence at 88 stations

Issue of daily weather forecasts

Federal Council decides to found the Central Meteorological Institute

Central Meteorological Institute begins to operate

Inauguration of the observatory on the Säntis

Regional Office for aviation meteorology (Flugwetterzentrale) is opened

Regional Office in Locarno-Monti (Osservatorio Ticinese) is launched

Opening of the Regional Office in Payerne (Station Aérologique)

Central Meteorological Institute moves to a new building on the Krähbühlstrasse in Zurich

Change of name to Swiss Meteorological Institute (SMI)

Introduction of extended services and the new name SMI-MeteoSwiss