The map shows the total amount of precipitation (in mm) per region over a specific period of time. The amount of precipitation is a basic indication of meteorological drought. It includes both snow and rain. The available periods range from one month to two years. Combining these periods results in a comprehensive picture of drought patterns and drought severity. While the one-month precipitation total provides short-term information on drought, the three- and six-month totals provide a medium-term (seasonal) indicator of drought. This is relevant, for example, for agriculture (total precipitation over the entire cultivation period, soil condition) and for water management (assessment of whether water reservoirs, watercourses or lakes can regenerate sufficiently). The picture over a longer period can provide important indications of possible long-term deficits, for example in groundwater.

Data basis: Precipitation amounts measured at SwissMetNet ground stations (Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology automatic measuring network). Ground measurements are more suitable than radar measurements for precipitation totals over longer periods of time.