Originally established as the Central Meteorological Institute (MZA), by 1863 it operated 88 weather stations.

The office observes the weather around the clock, creating weather forecasts and alerting authorities and population, when strong winds, heavy rainfall, storms or heat waves are forecast.

In addition, it provides weather services for the civil, military and private aviation.

The office also carries out a program of research and development to understand the weather and climate in the Alps.

They also officially represent Switzerland at the World Meteorological Organization in Geneva.