THE WORLD'S WEATHER – A SNAPSHOT

The winter of 2025/26 has been a study in contrasts. By February, Switzerland had barely seen snow — while Japan was buried under two metres of it, with the army called in for disaster relief. Australia recorded local temperatures of nearly 50 degrees and evacuated thousands from bushfires. Storms battered the USA and Portugal. Wildfires swept Argentina.

February made things worse. Intense storms drenched Western Europe and North Africa — France, Spain, Portugal and Morocco all suffered severe flooding. In Ethiopia people died in floods and landslides. In Kenya after torrential rain submerged Nairobi.

The bigger picture: February 2026 was the fifth warmest February on record, sitting 1.49 °C above pre-industrial levels (MeteoSwiss). The science is clear — extreme rainfall and drought are becoming more frequent, and climate change is making them more intense.

This is precisely where continuous environmental monitoring matters. Water levels, soil saturation, snowpack, rainfall intensity — tracked not as one-off readings, but as long-term time series. It is that accumulation of data over months and years that reveals patterns no single measurement ever could: when a slope is approaching its limit, how a river responds to a given storm, which sites are most vulnerable to temperature swings. The foundation for understanding change — and for warning when it counts.

Devices for flood and weather monitoring: 
DL-MBX, DL-RAD, DL-LID, DL-TBRG

FORESTS UNDER CLIMATE STRESS: MONITORING WITH DECENTLAB DENDROMETERS

Climate change is causing trees to leaf out earlier – yet the trunks of many species are growing more slowly.

A TreeNet study led by WSL shows that heat and drought limit the growth of spruce, fir, and beech, even during longer growing seasons. Each year, trees have only 40 to 110 effective growth days, and critical dry periods further reduce growth. This impacts carbon storage and timber yields, making it necessary to adapt forest management strategies locally and by species.

To analyze these effects, researchers are using DL-ZN1-001 | Dendrometer T-shape for LoRaWAN®. Mounted directly on the trunk, they measure micrometer-scale changes in tree diameter and provide hourly data on growth and water balance. This allows researchers to distinguish between actual wood formation and changes caused by water stress.

In total, 228 trees at 48 sites are being monitored. A clear demonstration of the method can be seen in the video “The Thing – Point Dendrometer”.

Read full article
Watch video

GROUNDWATER & SOIL MOISTURE: LOW SNOW RESERVES

Due to another above-average mild winter in Switzerland, and despite periods of heavy snowfall in February, the snowpack in low and mid-altitude regions has already largely melted as of March 2026. This missing "snow storage" has direct implications for water reserves in the coming months.

• Facts 
  With a nationwide average winter temperature of -0.2 °C, this season was 1.6 °C above the norm, ranking as the 6th warmest winter in Switzerland since records began in 1864. While groundwater levels are currently stable thanks to a wet February, total winter precipitation reached only about 70% of the reference value (MeteoSwiss Blog)
   

• Consequence
  The lack of snow means that "delayed" groundwater recharge through gradual melting will not occur. Simultaneously, the vegetation period has started prematurely: plants are already actively extracting moisture from the soil—water that would normally infiltrate into deep aquifers at this time of year. Without this "snow buffer," summer reserves will depend strictly on upcoming rainfall.
   

• Monitoring Relevance
  In such a scenario, rain gauges alone do not tell the whole story. Only the direct measurement of soil moisture and local groundwater levels reveals actual water availability. Data from platforms like Trockenheit.admin.ch is therefore of critical importance for municipal planning and agriculture this year.

Devices for Groundwater & Soil Moisture Monitoring: 
DL-PR26, DL-PR36, DL-PR36CTD, DL-SMTP, DL-SDD

PEATLAND RESTORATION: WHY PRECISION AND DECADES MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Peatland restoration is one of the most effective nature-based climate solutionsof our time. Because intact peatlands sequester significantly more CO2 per unit area than forests, they are indispensable as natural carbon sinks.

However, a recent meta-analysis published in the journal Water – "Issues of Peatland Restoration Across Scales" – reveals that many projects fall short of their potential due to a lack of precise monitoring.

Three Core Challenges Identified by the Study:

• Spatial Scaling: Peatlands function as large-scale hydrological systems. Collecting data only from small test plots often leads to significant miscalculations of the actual CO2 balance of the entire area.
   

• The Methane Risk: Without exact water level control, restored areas can emit methane – a gas far more potent than CO2 in terms of climate impact. The authors therefore call for real-time monitoring capable of capturing even the finest fluctuations in water levels.
   

• Temporal Continuity: Ecosystems evolve over decades. According to the meta-analysis, short-term studies (1–2 years) are not representative; instead, seamless data series spanning many years are required.

These scientific requirements underscore the importance of high-precision sensor technology in environmental research.

A Look at Practical Application: Earlier in 2025, we reported on the "Peatland Restoration Research in Finland" project, which utilizes Decentlab sensors, including the DL-PR26 and DL-ZN1. In this EU-funded project (LIFE PeatCarbon),researchers are investigating the effects of rewetting on the water cycle and greenhouse gas emissions to enable reliable, long-term projections for carbon storage.

Read the study

ART MEETS ENVIRONMENTAL DATA - DL-ATM22 & DL-PM

Currents.systems is an immersive extended reality performance that transforms atmospheric data into a living, responsive environment — a sensory record of climate in real time.

Showed from December 2025 to January 2026 at the Aargauer Kunsthaus, the installation visualises air quality and airflow data through virtual reality. Environmental measurements appear as luminous particles that respond to movement and change colour according to the Air Quality Index (AQI), referencing the aesthetics of bioluminescence while reflecting real-world environmental conditions.

The work is based on a continuous real-time data stream processed in a game engine. To ensure stable and independent measurements, the project relies on locally collected outdoor data rather than third-party platforms. For the associated monitoring setup Nase, Decentlab supplied a DL-ATM22 to measure wind direction and wind speed, complemented by a DL-PM sensor for particulate matter monitoring. Together, the sensors provide site-specific environmental data streamed directly into the installation.

The exhibition demonstrates how environmental sensor technology can make real-time data experimentally accessible in artistic and societal contexts — beyond conventional data visualisation.

Thanks to Géraldine Honauer for giving our sensor such a beautiful form. The sensor installation "Nose" is also available via the project website: Shop 

About the project

RISING AIR POLLUTION FROM PORTS AND AIRPORTS CALLS FOR BETTER MONITORING

Air pollution from ports and airports is increasingly coming into focus across Europe, as existing monitoring systems often fail to fully capture local pollution levels. A recent briefing by the European Environment Agency (EEA) highlights rising emissions from shipping and aviation and notes that air quality monitoring around these transport hubs is frequently insufficient.

According to the EEA, pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) are of particular concern for people living near ports and airports. While official monitoring stations provide valuable long-term data, their location and spatial coverage often limit their ability to detect pollution hotspots close to emission sources, leading to potential underestimation of local exposure levels.

The briefing emphasises that ports and airports are complex emission environments, where multiple sources—such as ships, aircraft, ground traffic and related activities—interact within a small area. Capturing these dynamics requires monitoring approaches that better reflect spatial variability and short-term concentration peaks.

To address these gaps, the EEA calls for denser and more strategically placed air quality monitoring networks around ports and airports. More locally representative measurements are essential for accurately assessing population exposure and supporting the implementation of upcoming EU air quality standards.

Read fulll article

Devices for air quality monitoring: 
DL-PM, DL-ATM22, Realtime Demo of DL-PM

NEXT EVENT IN FEBRUARY – E-WORLD 2026

Next month it’s finally time: Decentlab will be at E‑world energy & water in Essen, Germany. E‑world is one of Europe’s leading trade fairs for the energy and water sector and brings together companies, institutions, and professionals from across the industry.

This year, Decentlab will be presenting its solutions at the IoT Hub in Hall 6, Stand F102 hosted by iot-shop.de, where visitors can explore a range of IoT solutions and projects—from hardware and connectivity to platforms, installation, and operation.

The IoT Hub focuses on four main topics:

• Smart City & Smart Village

• IoT infrastructure

• Distribution networks & energy data

• Smart Building

We’re looking forward to presenting our LoRaWAN®‑based environmental monitoring solutions for cities and urban areas and to exchanging with participants on how reliable environmental data can support energy‑related applications and sustainable decision‑making.

Visit us at our booth at E‑world energy & water from February 10–12, 2026 – we hope to see you there. 

Contact us for a free ticket!

EXPERIMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL & INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING IN FINLAND

At Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius, Finland, several projects are running that operate LoRaWAN-based sensor networks for environmental and infrastructure monitoring. Numerous Decentlab sensors are used in these networks. We have previously reported on the DiVes project, in which Decentlab's DL-PR26 sensors are deployed.

One of the latest installations in the TAKOMO project is the deployment of digital snow depth sensors at four locations: two measure the total snow accumulation over the winter using Decentlab ultrasonic DL-MBX-003 sensors, while two others are on plowed areas and provide data using laser based devices to indicate when winter maintenance should be carried out. The ultrasonic sensors are lighter, flexible, and battery-powered, whereas the laser devices are more expensive but highly precise. Recently Decentlab introduced as well a laser based device for snow level. The DL-LID | Laser Distance / Level Sensor for LoRaWAN®.

As part of the TAKOMO project, DL-PR26 sensors have been installed in coastal groundwater wells to continuously monitor water level and pressure. In some of the wells DL-CTD10 and DL-CTD10B devices also measure electrical conductivity. These wells also include additional pH sensors to detect potential seawater intrusion and changes in water quality. These measurements also allow researchers to observe whether seawater enters wells simultaneously, which are located at a distance from each other.

In the DustSense project, monitoring stations have been installed around of the Kokkola industrial area to track potential dust emissions. The stations use different types of particulate matter sensors, including Decentlab’s DL-PM. Wind data is also collected to determine the direction of dust dispersion. Now, the wireless dust monitoring network includes 15 measurement points in which 8 DL-PM devices are deployed to give comparison data to other sensors.

Thanks to the great work at Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius – we look forward to further tests and measurements.

TRACKING CO₂ EMISSIONS – THE ROLE OF INNOVATIVE SENSORS

To implement climate targets effectively, it is not enough to calculate emissions – they need to be measured as accurately as possible. This is especially complex in cities, where traffic, buildings, industry, and weather all interact. This research was recently featured in the SRF podcast Echo der Zeit.

In cities such as Zurich and Munich, sensors were installed on street poles, rooftops, trees, and mobile infrastructure. The goal is to capture CO₂ emissions directly in the urban environment, identify hotspots, and track temporal variations.
(Project: ICOS Overview)

In Zurich, CO₂ concentrations were measured over three years at around 60 locations and combined with classical inventories. This approach creates a dynamic picture of urban emissions, showing when and where greenhouse gases are released.
(Zurich Case Study: Tracking Zurich’s path to carbon neutrality)
(Zurich Case Study: Cities exploring new technology for emissions monitoring)

In Munich, the sensor network provides new insights into the city’s CO₂ balance, makes local emission hotspots visible, and supports targeted climate action.
(Munich Case Study)

Various types of sensors were used in these projects, including Decentlab’s DL‑LP8P sensors and other devices developed in collaboration with Empa. They provide continuous measurements of CO₂ concentrations, which, when combined with models, offer a precise view of urban emissions.

Environmental Impacts of the Festive Season

For many people, fireworks are simply part of New Year’s Eve and the start of the new year — but the beautiful lights also have a darker side. Every year alone in Switzerland, rockets and firecrackers produce around 200 to 400 tonnes of fine particulate matter, according to the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU).

The most polluting fireworks are those with high emission levels: when they explode, they release not only black powder but also color-producing metal compounds — and with them, a significant amount of airborne particulate matter.

Especially under unfavorable weather conditions — for example, cold temperatures or an inversion layer on New Year’s Eve — these particles can remain trapped in the air for a long time. Measurements show that during such conditions, fireworks alone can cause legal limit values for particulate pollution (PM₁₀) to be significantly exceeded.

Read full article

Would you like to watch in real time how PM levels change during New Year’s Eve?
Visit our public dashboard with live data.

Device for measuring particulate matter: DL-PM

Decentlab 2025 – A Year of Continuous Improvement

After expanding our sensor portfolio significantly in 2024, 2025 was focused on enhancing existing devices and preparing for upcoming innovations.

We welcomed a new team member, further strengthening our expertise. In addition, we expanded our portfolio with the DL-RAD | Radar Distance / Level Sensor for LoRaWAN®, while the DL-LID | Laser Distance / Level Sensor for LoRaWAN® is now available with a mounting kit for quick and secure installation. Many more developments and updates are already planned for 2026.

We sincerely thank our customers, partners, and everyone who contributed to a successful year.

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a prosperous start to the new year!

Europe’s Flood Risk: The Role of Climate and Aging

The AGU study examines how climate change and Europe’s aging population together affect flood risk, especially for vulnerable groups.

Combination of climate change and demographic changes:
In Central and Western Europe, more intense rainfall—particularly in winter and spring—is causing more frequent and severe flooding. Vulnerable populations, including older adults, are especially at risk because they may have difficulty responding quickly or accessing help.

Regional differences and vulnerability:
People in densely populated or lower-income areas face the greatest risk. Wealthier regions often have better early-warning systems and infrastructure.

Methodology:
The study combined climate models and socioeconomic scenarios with hydrological and hydraulic simulations to analyze flood exposure and vulnerability over space and time.

Conclusion:
Climate change and demographic shifts increase flood risk for vulnerable populations and can exacerbate regional inequalities. The results highlight the importance of considering social vulnerability in flood risk management.

Relevance:
Flood risks cannot be addressed without accounting for both climate change and social factors. Early-warning systems, urban adaptation, and targeted protection for vulnerable groups are becoming increasingly critical.

Read full study

Devices for flood monitoring: 
DL-MBX, DL-RAD, DL-LID

New available – Mounting Kit for DL-LID

DL-LID | Laser Distance / Level Sensor for LoRaWAN®

Decentlab's sensor for measuring:

Distance:
Range: 0 ... 40 m
Resolution: 10 mm (single sample), 1 mm (average of N samples)
Accuracy:
< 2 m, ±50 mm, Nonlinearity is present below 1 m
≥ 2 m, ±1 % of distance or ±25 mm
Better accuracy is achieved by capturing N samples and
evaluating statistical data, e.g. the average of N samples.

APPLICATIONS

• Snow level monitoring

• Water level monitoring

• Flood monitoring

• Generic ranging and proximity monitoring

Sensor data are transmitted in real-time using LoRaWAN® radio technology. LoRaWAN® enables encrypted radio transmissions over long distances while consuming very little power. The user can obtain sensor data through Decentlab’s data storage and visualization system, or through the user's own infrastructure.

Winter Road Condition Monitoring with DL-CWS2

Decentlab is proud to be part of the innovative winter service project in the District of Hof, Bavaria, Germany with its DL-CWS2 | High-Precision Winter Road Maintenance Sensor with Radiation Shield for LoRaWAN®.

As part of the Smart City – hoferLand.digital initiative, the DL-CWS2 devices have been installed across the whole district to measure ambient temperature, humidity, and road surface temperature. This enables early detection of icy and dangerous conditions and smarter, data-driven winter maintenance.

All measurements are collected in a web-based application that provides real-time access to weather and road data. This allows local road services to work more efficiently and sustainably while optimizing the use of resources. The project strengthens the region’s digital infrastructure and serves as a model for future Smart Region initiatives.

LB Elektro- und Verkehrsanlagenbau GmbH & Co. KG coordinated the project and rolled out the sensors into the district. Iot-shop.de was our local partner.

Read more

National Soil Moisture Network for Drought Alerts

A national soil moisture monitoring network is currently being established in Switzerland. The project aims to detect and model drought periods at an early stage, supporting agriculture, forestry, energy management, and authorities in planning and decision-making. MeteoSwiss, the WSL, and ETH Zurich are installing sensors at approximately 20 sites in forests and grasslands across the country.

The sensors measure soil moisture every ten minutes at multiple depths providing a precise picture of soil water storage and infiltration. To ensure accurate interpretation, the soil composition at each station, including clay, sand, and humus content, is carefully analyzed.

For the first time, this network will generate a uniform, high-quality dataseton soil moisture in Switzerland. The data will significantly improve drought modeling and feed into early-warning systems. Furthermore, the network provides essential information for environmental and climate monitoring, as soil moisture is a key indicator of water balance, vegetation health, and natural hazards.

Read full article

Devices for soil moisture monitoring:
DL-TRS12, DL-SMTP, DL-SDD

How Cities Can Act Like Sponges

Heat, drought, and heavy rainfall are putting increasing pressure on urban environments. The solution? Sponge cities — urban areas designed to absorb, store, and slowly release rainwater. The Sponge City information platform offers a wide collection of real-world examples showing how this concept can be implemented — from permeable pavements to large-scale green developments.

In some of these projects, Decentlab sensors are used to collect environmental data. One example is a project in Bern, where different tree species are tested for their resilience under urban conditions. Decentlab's DL-SMTP | Soil Moisture and Temperature Profile for LoRaWAN® are used to collect precise data on soil moisture, helping to optimize irrigation and improve tree health.

The SRF science program also explores how well the sponge city concept works in practice, with insights from Zurich’s urban water cycle — from green infrastructure to challenges of water quality.

1,000 Swiss glaciers already lost and melting goes on

In 2025, Switzerland’s glaciers lost another three percent of their volume. A snow-poor winter, followed by heat waves in June and August, caused this decline, making it the fourth largest reduction on record. Some glaciers lost more than two meters of ice thickness in a single season. Since 2015, Swiss glaciers have lost roughly a quarter of their total volume, and over 1,000 small glaciers have already disappeared.

Winter snow reserves were depleted by mid-July, causing the melt to begin earlier than ever before. Although a cooler July provided some relief, August’s heat waves and exceptionally high zero-degree lines drove above-average summer temperatures, further accelerating the ice loss. Glaciers below 3,000 meters were particularly affected, with snow cover disappearing all the way up to the summits.

The ongoing ice melt contributes to the destabilization of mountain slopes, increasing the risk of rock and ice avalanches, such as the one in May 2025 that buried the village of Blatten.

To detect and monitor these rapid changes and potential hazards, precise environmental and geotechnical sensor technology has never been more important. An informative map, tracking long-term glacier changes in the Alps, of glacier measurements in Switzerland can be found here.

Read full article

Devices for geotechnical monitoring: 
DL-LPW, DL-TP, DL-PR36, DL-TBRG

Why Maintaining Good Indoor Air Matters in Winter

In winter, spending more time indoors with windows closed and the heating on directly affects air quality, health, and well-being.

CO₂ levels rise quickly in enclosed spaces. Around 1000 ppm, many people feel tired, unfocused, or irritable. A study by Graz University of Technology found that 75 % of classrooms exceeded this level, rising to almost 90 % in winter, with peaks up to 6900 ppm. 

Humidity is also crucial. Heating can lower it below 30 %, drying out mucous membranes, weakening immunity, and increasing infection risk. A study by Stanford University found that viruses survive longer in dry air, while 40–60 % humidity activates natural antimicrobial processes.

Particulate matter (PM2.5) is another important factor. A study published in Building and Environment demonstrated that effective ventilation and filtration can significantly reduce indoor PM2.5 levels, highlighting the role of proper air management in maintaining healthy indoor environments.

To avoid heat loss and high energy costs, ventilation should be done strategically—based on CO₂ or humidity measurements, for example. Modern sensors can help balance healthy air with energy efficiency.

Recommended values
CO₂: below 1000 ppm
Relative humidity: 40–60 %
Room temperature: 20–22 °C

Devices for indoor air monitoring:
DL-IAM, DL-PM

Visit for real-time demos: DL-IAM, DL-PM

Less water in summer, more in winter

Climate Change and Groundwater

Climate change is altering temperature and precipitation patterns, affecting both the recharge and qualityof groundwater. Ensuring the sustainable use of this vital resource requires precise monitoring and reliable forecasting.

Rising temperatures lead to more precipitation in winter and less in summer. Consequently, groundwater recharge increases during winter and decreases in the summer months. Measurements and models confirm this trend, while also revealing strong regional variability. Cascading effects – such as increased irrigation during droughts – can further lower groundwater levels.
Beyond quantity, water quality is also at risk. After dry periods, pollutants can accumulate in the soil and be rapidly transported into groundwater during heavy rainfall events.

Forecasts for Water Management

Researchers are developing models that use temperature, precipitation, and groundwater data – collected by sensors such as those from Decentlab – to forecast groundwater dynamics over weeks to years. Short-term predictions help water suppliers respond to floods or droughts, while long-term scenarios guide investment and storage strategies.

Measures such as retention basins, slow-water projects, and managed aquifer recharge aim to store excess winter water for use during dry summer months. Because local conditions vary widely, sustainable groundwater management depends on a combination of continuous monitoring, data-driven modeling, and adaptive measures.

Read full article

Devices for groundwater monitoring:
DL-PR26,DL-PR36,DL-PR36CTD, DL-CTD10B

Next Event – IoT Sparks 2025 in Valencia

Decentlab will participate in IoT Sparks, an initiative of Loriot, on October 7, 2025, in Valencia – a one-day event dedicated to innovative ideas, cutting-edge technologies and meaningful dialogue in the Internet of Things.

The event brings together startups, researchers and industry leaders to exchange insights on impactful applications – from environmental monitoring and precision agriculture to smart infrastructure.

We look forward to sharing our expertise in real-time sensor solutions and to exploring how IoT can shape a smarter, more sustainable future – together.

Visit us at IoT Sparks – we’d be pleased to meet you there.