A Never Ending Summer ☀️
Autumn is already here, but the conditions forecast for this weekend still have a distinctly summer feel. Sunshine should dominate across western Switzerland, while dry air and unusually warm temperatures for the season are expected to create excellent opportunities for autumn cross-country flying.
Saturday
Wallis :
Beautiful flights should be possible in wallis, with a light westerly flow aloft worth keeping an eye on, although it is not expected to be a major issue. Cloud bases should be exceptionally high for the season, once again allowing pilots to fully enjoy the magnificent autumn scenery.
The air mass does, however, appear somewhat layered, which could affect thermal quality and make climbs less consistent.
Jura :
The area between the Neuchâtel Jura and the Bernese Jura appears to offer the best XC potential for Saturday. The upper-level wind should gradually weaken during the early afternoon, and a slight convergence may develop along the first, or possibly the second, ridge line. The air mass looks homogeneous, with a thermal gradient that should favour thermal development throughout the region.
Choosing the right launch site and timing will be particularly important to make the most of the day. A secret spot somewhere in the Tavannes Valley or Mont Soleil could turn out to be the best options. As always, however, the final morning forecasts will have the last word.
Pre-Alps :
As was the case last weekend, enjoyable flights should be possible throughout the Pre-Alps. Conditions look pleasant, but this region does not currently appear to offer the strongest XC potential due to a relatively stable air mass.
My Choice
My decision is not made yet, I will still analyse the options between jura and Wallis
Sunday
A light southwesterly flow together with some cirrus clouds could make long-distance flights more challenging this Sunday. The forecast is still worth monitoring closely before making a final decision. For now, here is my assessment:
Valais:
Flying in Valais appears to be the best option for maximizing your chances of covering significant distance on Sunday. The southwesterly flow aloft should be less pronounced than elsewhere, while thermals are expected to develop reasonably well from around midday on the best sun-exposed slopes. A straight west-to-east flight seems to be the most promising strategy.
Jura:
In the Bernese Jura, the southwesterly flow could provide superb thermo-dynamic flying conditions along the first ridge. However, the arrival of high cloud cover during the middle of the afternoon could reduce the day's potential. Here too, a downwind flight from west to east may be the best option for accumulating both airtime and kilometres.
Pre-Alps:
The Pre-Alps will remain under the influence of a more stable air mass. Some enjoyable flights should certainly be possible, but this is not the region I would choose if my goal were to maximize my chances of completing a good cross-country flight.
My choice:
At this stage, I would probably choose Valais. However, the final decision will largely depend on the evolution of the southwesterly flow and the cloud cover expected during the day.
Don't forget to check the latest forecasts before heading out.
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