Mountain weather
Lake District Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High confidence for the general evolution. Lower confidence for timing of fronts on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
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.
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.
Blizzards
Blizzards and whiteouts present challenging and serious conditions due to a combination of falling or blowing snow, strong winds and cold temperatures. They can be highly disorientating, often resulting in near-zero visibility with limited or no visual references and no distinction between ground and sky. Cliff edges and cornices may not be apparent, even close up. These conditions require very good navigational skills.
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.
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.
Mountain weather forecast
Bright spells and wintry showers, frequent for a time in the morning. Cold. Gusty.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
70% | 40% | 40% | 30% | 30% | 10% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
W
35
|
W
35
|
W
39
|
W
35
|
W
31
|
W
24
|
| 600m |
W
28
|
W
31
|
W
34
|
W
27
|
W
24
|
W
16
|
| 300m |
W
10
|
W
13
|
W
16
|
W
11
|
W
9
|
W
4
|
| Valley |
W
10
|
W
14
|
W
17
|
W
11
|
W
10
|
W
4
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m | 41 | 43 | 50 | 44 | 38 | 29 |
| 600m | 36 | 40 | 46 | 36 | 33 | 24 |
| 300m | 29 | 33 | 38 | 30 | 27 | 19 |
| Valley | 28 | 32 | 37 | 28 | 26 | 19 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
-2°
|
-3°
|
-2°
|
-2°
|
-2°
|
-2°
|
| 600m |
0°
|
0°
|
0°
|
0°
|
1°
|
0°
|
| 300m |
3°
|
4°
|
4°
|
4°
|
4°
|
2°
|
| Valley |
5°
|
6°
|
6°
|
6°
|
6°
|
5°
|
| Freezing Level |
600m
|
500m
|
400m
|
400m
|
500m
|
400m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
-12°
|
-12°
|
-12°
|
-12°
|
-10°
|
-10°
|
| 600m |
-8°
|
-8°
|
-8°
|
-7°
|
-6°
|
-6°
|
| 300m |
-1°
|
-1°
|
-1°
|
0°
|
0°
|
0°
|
| Valley |
2°
|
2°
|
2°
|
3°
|
3°
|
3°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Gusts over 40mph at times will give difficult walking conditions with a risk of being blown off balance. Navigation could be challenging with energy output significantly increased when walking into the wind. Feeling bitterly cold so suitable clothing is advised. Note that some areas and services may be still be dealing with the effects of Storm Dave.
Weather
A band of showery sleet or snow crosses east shortly after dawn, heavy at times with a small chance of hail and lightning. Otherwise bright spells and some snow showers through the day. Becoming largely dry through the afternoon and evening. Strong gusty winds at times, reaching gale-force over the highest summits.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
50% in morning, 75% by evening.
Low cloud and visibility
Cloud down to summit height and visibilities falling poor as snow showers pass through. Increasing breaks between showers through the afternoon and evening in which summits will become mostly clear with good visibilities
Ground conditions
Fell Top Assessor's Report Saturday 4 April. Location: Red Screes summit (776m) at 12:10 Full report: Poor Visibility, Driving Rain In anticipation of Storm Dave moving through, observations were taken today from the summit of Red Screes (776m). The morning began relatively benign; although overcast with light rain, winds were initially light. Through the morning, wind speeds steadily increased, giving a sense of the "calm before the storm." By lunchtime, visibility had deteriorated significantly, with the cloud base lowering to around 250m and merging with rain and drizzle below. Reports from Fairfield indicated slushy snow on the summit, with sleet falling on Helvellyn itself. Remnants of snow will remain at the upper sections of both Swirral and Striding Edges. Conditions are expected to worsen through the remainder of Saturday, with heavy rain and very strong winds - potentially up to 90mph on the high fells - and weather warnings are in force overnight. Easter Sunday should see a slight improvement after dawn, bringing a fresh but breezy day as higher pressure begins to build from the south-west. However, it will still feel freezing cold, with snow and hail forecast and winds reaching around 50mph at times on higher ground. This will make walking and scrambling arduous and challenging. Microspikes may be useful depending on how much snow falls. Full winter clothing remains essential, including waterproofs (jacket and trousers), hat, gloves and adequate insulating layers. Sturdy walking boots will provide better warmth and grip than lighter footwear. Additional essentials include food and fluids, a survival shelter, basic first aid kit, reliable navigation tools, and a fully charged phone. This is a busy period for Lake District mountain rescue volunteers. Being properly equipped and prepared is an important part of staying safe and reducing unnecessary callouts. Be prepared to turn back if needs be and enough Easter Sunday. Temperature: 0.8C. Maximum wind speed: 28.3mph. Wind chill: minus 7.1C. Average wind speed: 23.4mph.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Dry and bright though rather hazy with high cloud through the day. Areas of cloud around summit height may bring the odd spot of rain for a time in the morning. Light winds in morning, freshening through the afternoon and evening.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
80%
Maximum wind speed expected
Southerly 35-45mph in the afternoon and evening.
Temperature
- At 800m Minus 2C rising to plus 4C.
- Valley Plus 3C rising to plus 12C.
- Freezing level 400m rising to 1000m by midday, rising further in the afternoon.
Low cloud and visibility
Summits clear and good visibilities the majority of the day. Some patches of cloud may affect higher summits for a time in the morning.
Mountain weather information
Tue 7 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Dry much of the day with variable cloud. Chance of rain late in the day. Strong south to southeasterly winds. Freezing level well above summits.
Wed 8 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Spells of rain or showers. Freezing level falling to around 1000m later. Strong southwest winds.
Thu 9 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Bright spells and scattered showers. Fresh to strong westerly winds.
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.