"Swiss Siberia" hits 0° while Europe bakes

Paul Heymont 7/31/153:17 PM

Most of Europe has been experiencing a heatwave so far this summer, with sustained temperatures in the high 90s(F, high 30s C), causing discomfort and health issues across the continent. And yet, one village in Switzerland closed out August by falling to 0° (32F).

The village, La BrÉvine in Neuchâtel canton, is called "Swiss Siberia" because in 1987 it recorded Switzerland's lowest-ever temperature (-41.8C or about -43F). The picture above shows the town's marker for that event. Today's low came early this morning during a cloudless night, according to SRF Meteo, the weather service of Swiss radio.

La BrÉvine's odd weather has an explanation: geographical position and topography cause colder air to become trapped in the bottom of the valley, often leading to below average temperatures.

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