Extreme heat accelerates glacier melting in Switzerland

Anomalous heat across Europe has caused snow on Swiss glaciers to melt several weeks earlier than usual.

According to Report, citing Reuters, a so-called "glacier melt day" occurred on June 29 at the Rhône Glacier in Switzerland. This marks the point when the winter snowpack completely disappears and glaciers begin losing their own ice mass.

Matthias Huss, director of Switzerland's glacier monitoring programme, said that around three months of active melting still lie ahead, during which ice formed over decades or even centuries could disappear.

"At this time of year, the glaciers are in a very poor condition," he noted.

Scientists warn that the ongoing heatwave is significantly accelerating long-term glacier retreat across the Alps.