Mountain weather
Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
Low regarding chance of showers on Saturday. High for a dry day on Sunday and for settled conditions to dominate early next week. Low for cloud amounts from Tuesday.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
Strong Sunlight
Harmful UV levels from sunlight increase with altitude giving a greater risk of sunburn and eye damage, even on some overcast days. On breezy days, the cooling effect of wind on exposed skin may disguise any feeling of sunburn until it is too late. If there is snow cover, glare increases the effect of UV rays especially on the eyes. It is advisable to wear sun block, protective clothing such as a long-sleeved top and hat and have good quality eye protection.
Severe Chill Effect
Wind significantly lowers the ‘feels-like’ temperature relative to the actual temperature, with even moderate winds significantly adding to the chilling effect. Strong winds can result in a severe and debilitating wind chill many degrees below the actual temperature. This effect will be enhanced in rain or wet snow. Without protection, prolonged exposure could result in frost nip or frostbite on exposed parts of the body and/or hypothermia.
Poor Visibility
Poor visibility presents challenging route finding conditions. Visibility could be significantly less than 50 metres in all directions with few or no visual references, especially on featureless moors or plateaux. Distances become hard to judge and cliff or cornice edges can be difficult to recognise. These conditions require good navigational skills. There is a risk of white-out conditions when mist or fog is combined with extensive snow cover.
Thunderstorms
Lightning is a significant mountain hazard which can result in serious injury or death. Mountain terrain often leaves one highly exposed to lightning strikes. Hail may give unpleasant conditions with torrential rain and localised flash flooding also possible, mainly in Summer months.
Mountain weather forecast
Isolated showers developing, feeling cold on the tops.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 600m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 600m) |
<05% | 10% | 20% | 30% | 10% | <05% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
W
14
|
W
13
|
W
13
|
NW
15
|
NW
12
|
NW
7
|
| 300m |
W
8
|
W
9
|
W
9
|
NW
10
|
NW
7
|
W
4
|
| Valley |
W
6
|
W
8
|
W
9
|
NW
9
|
NW
7
|
W
4
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m | 19 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 16 | 12 |
| 300m | 18 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 14 | 10 |
| Valley | 16 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 14 | 10 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
4°
|
5°
|
7°
|
7°
|
6°
|
4°
|
| 300m |
7°
|
9°
|
11°
|
10°
|
9°
|
5°
|
| Valley |
8°
|
10°
|
12°
|
11°
|
10°
|
6°
|
| Freezing Level |
1,100m
|
1,200m
|
1,200m
|
1,200m
|
1,100m
|
1,100m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
0°
|
1°
|
3°
|
3°
|
3°
|
2°
|
| 300m |
4°
|
6°
|
9°
|
8°
|
8°
|
4°
|
| Valley |
6°
|
8°
|
10°
|
9°
|
9°
|
4°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
A much drier day despite the low likelihood of showers, there is an outside risk of lightning and hail if any develop. Despite the risk of showers, most summits will clear of cloud with far reaching views of distant hills. Expect winds to be 5-10mph stronger over the summits than those in the table above and feeling close to freezing, so extra layers are advised.
Weather
Mostly dry through the early hours with the outside chance of a rogue shower. Patchy valley fog forming, soon clearing after dawn. A few showers may bubble up later on Saturday morning, but most places staying dry with sunny spells.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
60%, becoming 90% by the afternoon.
Low cloud and visibility
Periods of cloud above 500-700m first thing, most persistent in the west. Lifting to patches above 850-950m through the afternoon with most summits clearing entirely of cloud. Often very good visibility with excellent air clarity, locally moderate in any heavier showers and very poor in cloud/fog through the morning.
Recent rainfall
Location: Neuadd (Near Pontsticill)
Altitude: 353m
| Last 24 hours | Last 48 hours | Last 72 hours |
|---|---|---|
| 7.6mm | 10.6mm | 22mm |
Measurement date:
Rainfall data provided by Natural Resources Wales. The Met Office is not responsible for content provided by third parties and may remove this data without warning.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Patchy frost and a few shallow mist/fog patches in the valleys around dawn. Thereafter, a dry day is expected with a mixture of patchy cloud and sunny periods, the sunshine prolonged at times.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
80% becoming 100%.
Maximum wind speed expected
Northerly 15 mph.
Temperature
- At 600m Plus 3 Celsius becoming plus 10 Celsius.
- Valley Minus 1 Celsius rising to plus 14 Celsius by the afternoon.
- Freezing level Above the summits.
Low cloud and visibility
Fog may lift to give patchy cloud around 400-600m for an hour or two. Thereafter any cloud will be above the summits. Generally very good with excellent air clarity, though locally very poor visibility in any fog/cloud.
Mountain weather information
Mon 20 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Morning sunshine giving way to cloudier skies with the odd light shower, falling as soft hail on the highest summits. Staying sunniest for longest in the far west. Freezing level just above the summits and feeling chilly in moderate to fresh easterly winds.
Tue 21 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A cloudier day is possible with hill fog at times and a greater chance of showers, though some places likely staying dry with sunny spells. Fresh to strong easterly or northeasterly winds giving a significant wind chill. Freezing level just above the summits.
Wed 22 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Likely dry with sunny periods and perhaps unbroken sunshine in places. Frost possible at first and again after dark with strong easterly winds on the summits. A significant wind chill. Freezing level 800-1000m.
Updated at:
Summit specific forecast
Mountain summit forecast map
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Key
Mountain summits
Other points of interest
Cluster of multiple stations
The Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons is a mountain range in South Wales comprising six main peaks, with the highest peak, Pen y Fan, standing at 886 metres.