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The Bise (French: La Bise) is a cold, dry wind in Switzerland that blows through the Swiss Plateau from northeast to southwest. It typically arises when high-pressure systems over northern or eastern Europe create an air pressure difference that channels wind between the Jura Mountains and the Alps. Occurring throughout the year, it brings dry weather in summer and often forms low stratus clouds in winter. The Bise has been associated with travel disruptions, agricultural damage, and weather-related physical symptoms, such as headaches.
In addition to surface-level effects, the Bise often brings cold, humid air during winter that becomes trapped beneath an inversion layer, where temperature increases with altitude and limits vertical air exchange. This promotes the development of widespread low Stratus cloud or fog on the Swiss Plateau. When the Bise is stronger, broken bands of cloud known as "cloud streets" may form instead of a uniform overcast sky. Though typically associated with dry weather, the Bise can also carry moisture from Alpine low-pressure systems, producing overcast conditions and precipitation, a variation known as the "black Bise". In western Switzerland, the Bise can reach storm-force intensity, with recorded gusts of over 100 km/h at Changin and 154 km/h at La Dôle.
The Bise can sometimes lead to severe icing during winter months in Geneva and nearby communities. Many foreign travellers to this Swiss city have commented upon the Bise.Fredrika Bremer, Two Years in Switzerland and Italy, Hurst and Blackett 1861, p.258 The Century: A Popular Quarterly by Making of America Project, The Century Co. 1909, p.463
The wind La Bise, along with Lake Geneva, is also mentioned in the song "Lonely Sky" which was penned and sung by the Irish singer Chris De Burgh. The song was released in 1975 on the album "Spanish Train and Other Stories". The La Bise is also mentioned in the lyrics of the French patriotic song by and .
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