Heatwave reaches peak

Switzerland continued to swelter on Monday in the highest temperatures recorded in late August for the last 30 years.

At 36.8 degrees, Sion in the southern canton of Valais was the very hottest spot. In Bern, Basel and Chur the temperature reached over 35 during the afternoon, and in Zurich it was only just below.

However, the television weather service said that after three days the heatwave had now reached its peak.

Although temperatures are forecast to remain high until Thursday, air from the Sahara is likely to bring desert sand with it, giving the sky a yellowish tinge. This phenomenon is best seen at sunrise and sunset, the weather service said.

The hottest temperature on record for this time of year dates back to August 21, 1943, when 38.7 was measured at Basel.