Icy breeze makes us shiver on Christmas Eve
A bitterly cold easterly wind known as the bise will sweep across Switzerland in the coming days. The chill will peak on Christmas Eve, bringing gusts of up to 60 km/h and making temperatures feel far colder than they actually are.
The bise is an easterly or northeast wind that forms when high-pressure systems over Eastern Europe or the Alps push cold air towards regions like Zurich. This wind often arrives with clear skies but sharp drops in perceived temperature.
On Christmas Eve, the strongest gusts—between 40 and 60 km/h—will hit western parts of the Swiss Plateau. Though air temperatures may hover around 2°C, the wind chill will make it feel much harsher. Moving air strips away the body’s natural warmth more quickly, intensifying the cold’s effect on exposed skin. Meteorologists advise layering clothing and covering as much skin as possible for those venturing outside. The bise is expected to weaken after Christmas, easing conditions in the following days.
The wind chill effect will dominate Christmas Eve, despite relatively mild air temperatures. Residents and visitors are urged to take precautions against the biting cold. Forecasters predict the bise will lose strength shortly after the holiday.
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