thumb|right|Bise on Lake Geneva
The Bise or bize (French: La Bise) is a cold, dry wind in Switzerland that blows through the Swiss Plateau from northeast to southwest. 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. This promotes the development of widespread low stratus clouds 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. Many foreign travellers to this Swiss city have commented upon the Bise.
Wind patterns and measurement
The strength of the Bise wind can be determined by the analysis of the air pressure difference (in hectopascal [hPa]) between Geneva and Güttingen in canton of Thurgau. The Bise arises as soon as the air pressure in Güttingen (TG) is higher than in Geneva. The greater this air pressure difference, the stronger the Bise blows through the Swiss Plateau. In case of an inverted air pressure difference (low air pressure in Güttingen (TG) and high air pressure in Geneva), the opposite of Bise occurs: The wind blows from southwest through the Swiss Plateau.
Etymology and cultural references
An alternative form in English is Biz. The term entered Middle English from French bise. Its origin is unknown.
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 .