Muotathal weather forecasters predict a divided winter outlook

Six Muotathal weather forecasters shared their winter predictions at a traditional meeting in Illgau, Switzerland.

They base their forecasts on signs in nature, including the behaviour of mice and bees and changes in trees and mushrooms.

Martin Holdener was named weather king after making especially accurate predictions in the past half-year.

Holdener expects plenty of precipitation and snow at Christmas, even at lower elevations.

But the forecasters do not agree: Karl Laimbacher predicts sunny, mild conditions around the end of December, while Martin Gisler expects a warm, rainy month.

Their outlooks also differ on snowfall and temperatures in the months that follow, with predictions ranging from cold, snowy spells to rain and milder weather.

The forecasts look ahead to the coming winter, but the meeting gave no way to settle which prediction will prove right.