Pollen season is now underway – according to the Swiss Allergy Centre.
Grass pollen was detected early in April, says the forecaster Meteosuisse, but it was then held back by the cold snap.
But overall, vegetation is around two weeks ahead of schedule. The Allergy Center says hay fever sufferers – about one in seven people – will now start feeling the effect.
Most of those with allergies do react badly to grass pollen.
Twint scam warning
Switzerland has launched a national campaign to help the public spot online scams that exploit the Twint payment app
Water ban in parts of Valais
Val de Bagnes has banned residents from using the irrigation network to water gardens and lawns, as Valais water reserves fall to critical levels
New insurance premium initiative
Switzerland's Socialist Party is expected to launch signature collection today for an initiative linking health insurance premiums to household income
Rail link critical
The Lausanne-Geneva rail line must be Switzerland's "absolute priority", according to the country's public transport association
Income not enough for many households
Nearly 360,000 Swiss workers already earn too little to support their households, and the imminent health premium announcement threatens to push more families under
Speed limit decrease in parts of Lausanne
Several new streets in central Lausanne will drop to 30 kilometres per hour from 12 October, day and night, according to a letter the city has sent to affected residents
