What is the name of a dry, warm south wind in Switzerland?

The Föhn occurs when air flows from the south over the Alps and drops into the valley on the north side. In the process it becomes warm and dry.

Common mistakes

A: Bise

The Bise is a cold wind from the north-east, not from the south.

C: Brise

A breeze is generally a light wind, not a special Swiss south wind.

Föhn, climate change and spatial planning

Switzerland has typical winds. The Föhn is a warm and dry wind from the south. The air rises on the south side of the Alps and loses its rain there. On the north side it drops down into the valley and becomes warm. The Bise, on the other hand, is a cold wind from the north-east.

Switzerland at a glance · Landscape and climate

Sources

• meteoswiss.admin.ch
• are.admin.ch
• uvek.admin.ch

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.