Climate in the alps

maybe because of the altitude of the mountains, its a big factor in weather. A lot of times very local weatherforecasts are needed... every valley can differ from any other at times. Then it's about Thermodynamics, too... air (humid) from south climbes over the Alps... when the temperature is below a certain point it rains... the dry air descends on the other side and gets warmed... reaching the north it's warmer than before (not humid any more). This wind is called "Föhn", the same Word is used for hairdryer in german... and yes, the wind in the north can be very strong. But it feels pleasant as it is warm. On open (just less mountainous if you're talking about Switzerland) land, the thunders can be heard much better than in the valleys. It seem that tempests do not really "enter" the valley but pass above. During summertime Switzerland has very often tempest in the evening, because of colder and warmer airs meeting.