Mountain weather
Lake District Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for a lot of unsettled and changeable weather through this period. Lower confidence for rainfall details, especially from Monday onwards, and for the potential for very windy conditions on Tuesday.
This evening forecast
Cloudy with spells of rain, heavy at times. Some snow and possibly blizzard conditions at first above 600m. Severe gale force southeast winds, easing later. Freezing level 800m, soon rising above summits.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
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.
Gales
Gale force winds (gusts over 50mph) make walking difficult and strenuous with a potential to be blown over by gusts. There is often a marked increase in winds through cols or on exposed ridges and summits. Distances can take longer to cover and compass bearings become harder to follow accurately.
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.
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.
Heavy Persistent Rain
Heavy and persistent rain can lead to drenched clothing and footwear with waterproofs often becoming soaked through, especially if accompanied by strong winds. This can lead to significant loss of body heat and an increased likelihood of hypothermia. Terrain may turn increasingly boggy underfoot while streams can flood and become impassable. There may also be a risk of flooding in valleys or glens. If there is snow cover, a heightened avalanche hazard is possible and avalanche reports should be consulted where available.
Mountain weather forecast
Frequent showers, some heavy, with low cloud. Cold and windy on the tops.
| Time | 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
70% | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
S
38
|
S
31
|
S
27
|
S
19
|
SW
20
|
SW
22
|
SW
22
|
SW
27
|
| 600m |
S
30
|
S
28
|
S
24
|
S
17
|
SW
16
|
SW
17
|
SW
17
|
SW
21
|
| 300m |
S
12
|
S
11
|
S
10
|
S
6
|
SW
6
|
SW
7
|
SW
7
|
SW
9
|
| Valley |
S
13
|
S
10
|
SE
10
|
S
5
|
SW
6
|
SW
8
|
SW
8
|
SW
11
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m | 46 | 38 | 33 | 23 | 24 | 27 | 27 | 34 |
| 600m | 41 | 38 | 33 | 23 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 28 |
| 300m | 31 | 27 | 24 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 22 |
| Valley | 30 | 25 | 23 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 24 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
2°
|
2°
|
2°
|
3°
|
3°
|
4°
|
4°
|
4°
|
| 600m |
4°
|
4°
|
4°
|
4°
|
5°
|
6°
|
6°
|
5°
|
| 300m |
6°
|
6°
|
5°
|
6°
|
7°
|
7°
|
7°
|
7°
|
| Valley |
8°
|
8°
|
7°
|
8°
|
9°
|
9°
|
9°
|
9°
|
| Freezing Level |
1,500m
|
1,400m
|
1,400m
|
1,400m
|
1,500m
|
1,500m
|
1,600m
|
1,600m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
-5°
|
-5°
|
-4°
|
-3°
|
-2°
|
-2°
|
-2°
|
-2°
|
| 600m |
-2°
|
-2°
|
-2°
|
0°
|
1°
|
1°
|
1°
|
1°
|
| 300m |
2°
|
2°
|
2°
|
4°
|
5°
|
5°
|
5°
|
5°
|
| Valley |
4°
|
5°
|
5°
|
6°
|
7°
|
7°
|
7°
|
7°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Feeling mild in the valleys but much colder at height with gusty winds, showers and low cloud giving a significant wind chill.
Weather
Mainly cloudy with frequent showers, some heavy with a small chance of hail and thunder. Sleet on the highest tops above 900m in the morning. A few fleeting bright or clear intervals, mainly on lower slopes in the east.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
20%.
Low cloud and visibility
Frequent cloud above 400 or 500m, but rising to higher slopes at times in the east. Away from low cloud, visibility mainly good but a few km at times in showers.
Ground conditions
Date: Friday 5 December 2025 Location: Helvellyn summit at 12:30 Full report: Summit snow and strong winds today. Despite the air temperature reaching 7°C at Greenside Mines (300m), a noticeably lower wind chill was present from the start and persisted throughout the day. During the morning, the cloud base dropped below Red Tarn (to 660m), requiring care when locating path junctions in areas where visibility fell below 50 metres. The cloud only lifted intermittently by mid-afternoon, revealing brief sunny spells. Strong local gradient winds circulated around the eastern coves, creating sudden buffeting and occasionally impeding progress, with gusts arriving unexpectedly and sometimes from opposing directions, including northerly bursts. The freezing level was slightly higher than forecast, with only small patches of snow and frozen puddles appearing around 850m at the start of Swirral Edge. Above this, conditions changed quickly: what began as insignificant snow cover increased to around 3 cm of continuous snow cover by the Helvellyn summit plateau (940m). The snow was damp and slightly crusty (a good snowball consistency). On the tops, the true southerly wind was strong and sustained, requiring caution to avoid being pushed toward the steep east-facing drops. No falling snow or precipitation was observed during the day. However, fresh snowfall is forecast overnight and into early Saturday on the higher summits. Full winter clothing is recommended, with serious consideration given to microspikes and either an ice axe or walking pole for additional stability. Temperature: plus 0.2 C, Maximum wind speed 49.4 mph, Wind chill: minus 10.2 C, Average wind speed: 22.5 mph.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Outbreaks of rain overnight then drier and a little brighter for a couple of hours in the morning. A band of rain will then spread northeast from late morning and lasting through the afternoon, heavy at times. Rain clearing in the evening to leave clear spells and a few mist patches.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
10%, becoming 60% for a few hours in the morning.
Maximum wind speed expected
South or Southeast 20 to 30mph gusts 40mph.
Temperature
- At 800m Plus 4C rising to 6C.
- Valley Plus 7C rising to 10C.
- Freezing level Above summits.
Low cloud and visibility
Extensive cloud above 400 or 500m, but lifting and breaking for a few hours in the morning. Outside of cloud, visibility good, lowering to a few km at times in rain.
Mountain weather information
Mon 8 Dec
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Bright spells and showers, some heavy with a small chance of thunder. Strong southwest winds with gusts 50mph on the tops. Freezing level above summits.
Tue 9 Dec
Sunrise:
Sunset:
It look likely to be a wet and very windy day. A chance of storm force winds on high slopes. Freezing level above summits.
Wed 10 Dec
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A brighter day with a few showers. Strong southwest winds. Freezing level above summits.
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 Lake District covers an area of 885 square miles with its highest point, Scafell Pike, standing at 978 metres.