Switzerland tends to have a more mild climate than Minnesota, even though it actually is quite a bit further north. However, this summer we have seen some warm temperatures and drastic weather changes.
For example, last week it was almost 90 and humid on Tuesday. Since there is little or no air-conditioning here, this means that it is also super hot inside. My office/lab building is really lacking on the whole climate-control front, so my office (which is on the top floor of the atrium) has been an inferno. I'd guess it's definitely been in the 80s. So... great, it's hot, everyone wears shorts and t-shirts, etc.
By Wednesday, it was rainy and the low was about 50, with a high of maybe 62 or so. So all of the Europeans showed up to work in long pants and sweaters. First of all, 62 is not that cold! Secondly, it was still at least 80 in the building! Thirdly, it's JULY, people! I have no idea how they could wear all of those clothes without burning up. Although, to be fair, I think as a Minnesotan I have a higher tolerance for cold than the average person. And I've also been working in a glovebox, which means I'm up to my armpits in thick rubber gloves all day. Let me tell you, that is hot. But still, it is funny to show up to work in shorts and a t-shirt next to people who are wearing thick sweaters.
However, since on average people here seem to ascribe to the "being cold gives you a cold" belief, I guess I can understand the thinking behind this. Recently I was talking with someone about the air-conditioning in the labs in Minnesota, when we'd have to wear sweatshirts all year long. The person said, "Wow, you must have such good immune systems from all of that training, to go from hot to cold all summer long!"
