Mountain weather
Lake District Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for a cold, initially windy and showery, day Monday but lower for cloud details Tuesday and timing of the rain Wednesday and details generally thereafter.
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.
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.
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
Sunny spells with wintry showers dying out. Strong winds gradually easing
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
40% | 30% | 30% | 20% | 10% | 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
47
|
W
38
|
W
35
|
NW
35
|
W
32
|
NW
30
|
| 600m |
W
32
|
W
29
|
W
29
|
W
30
|
W
24
|
W
20
|
| 300m |
NW
11
|
NW
11
|
NW
14
|
NW
15
|
NW
10
|
NW
6
|
| Valley |
W
7
|
W
9
|
W
14
|
NW
14
|
W
7
|
W
5
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m | 54 | 46 | 44 | 44 | 39 | 36 |
| 600m | 41 | 38 | 39 | 41 | 34 | 29 |
| 300m | 37 | 35 | 36 | 36 | 29 | 25 |
| Valley | 33 | 30 | 33 | 32 | 25 | 21 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
-1°
|
-1°
|
0°
|
1°
|
1°
|
0°
|
| 600m |
1°
|
2°
|
3°
|
4°
|
3°
|
3°
|
| 300m |
4°
|
5°
|
6°
|
7°
|
6°
|
5°
|
| Valley |
5°
|
7°
|
9°
|
9°
|
8°
|
8°
|
| Freezing Level |
700m
|
700m
|
800m
|
800m
|
900m
|
1,100m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
-11°
|
-10°
|
-8°
|
-7°
|
-7°
|
-7°
|
| 600m |
-7°
|
-5°
|
-4°
|
-3°
|
-3°
|
-3°
|
| 300m |
0°
|
2°
|
2°
|
3°
|
2°
|
3°
|
| Valley |
3°
|
5°
|
6°
|
6°
|
6°
|
6°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Gusts around 60mph over higher ridges and summits easing a little soon after dawn.
Weather
A bright, cold morning with sunny spells and occasional showers, the falling snow level rising from 600m to around 900m by midday, the showers moving through quickly in the strong winds. The showers largely die out by mid-afternoon with more in the way of sunshine around before cloud increases through the evening, with outbreaks of light rain and drizzle developing, especially over western fells, by midnight.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
Around 60% becoming 90% by mid-afternoon, chances fall again later in the evening.
Low cloud and visibility
Occasional or periods of cloud above about 600-750m through the morning then lifting generally above the summits in the afternoon, then becoming periods or persistent above 600m later in evening. Away from cloud visibility very good, with some good panoramic views of surrounding fells and lakes, falling briefly to a kilometre or two in sleet or snow showers and several kilometres in rain and drizzle later in evening.
Ground conditions
Date: Sunday 29 March. Location: Blencathra Summit - 868m at 10:35: Temperature: plus 1.2C. Maximum wind speed 45.7mph. Wind chill: minus 10.0C. Average wind speed: 18.9mph. Full report: Todays readings are from Blencathra summit - 868m. Very changeable and at times challenging conditions on the fells today! This morning saw a mix of snow squalls, driving hail and rain, all within a few minutes. The wind was gusty and at times very strong even at lower levels, the summit readings don't reflect the strength of the rouge gusts that where coming through without warning, particularly through cols or around exposed areas. There was wet snow lying from about 700m in hollows and on the plateau, as well as some icy conditions underfoot, whilst crampons and an ice axe aren't necessary on the majority of routes on Blencathra, some will find micro-spikes very reassuring. On Helvellyn it is likely that more significant snow cover will still be present so I'd recommend micro-spikes for heading up the highest fells tomorrow and possibly an ice axe for anything exposed or steep. In addition to these, full winter clothing, warm layers, gloves (and spares) and a hat are all essential, at times today heading into the wind and driving hail, goggles were also essential for comfortable progress. So best say approach the fells as in full winter condition and pack all the essentials, and stay flexible in planning your day with the unpredictable nature of the current weather and conditions.
Mountain weather information
Weather
A mostly cloudy morning with outbreaks of mainly light rain and drizzle, most persistent across western fells with the best of any clearer or brighter spells across the east. It gradually becomes drier through the afternoon with cloud lifting and breaking
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
Little chance in west, but around 40% in east, through the morning improving to 75% through the afternoon.
Maximum wind speed expected
Westerly 20-25mph gradually easing and backing more southwesterly 10-15mph
Temperature
- At 800m Around plus 2 Celsius rising to plus 5 Celsius
- Valley Around plus 6 or 7 Celsius at dawn rising to plus 12 or 13 Celsius by day
- Freezing level Above the summits
Low cloud and visibility
Periods or persistent cloud above 450-600m, with patches below, but more occasional above 600-750m at times in the east, becoming occasional above 600-750m generally through the afternoon. Away from cloud visibility good falling to several kilometres in rain and drizzle.
Mountain weather information
Wed 1 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Cloudy with outbreaks of rain, perhaps heavy in afternoon, becoming mainly dry with clear spells later. Fresh southwesterly winds turning northerly and easing. Freezing level falling to 900m later.
Thu 2 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Dry with clear or sunny spells but outbreaks of rain and summit snow spreading east in evening. Light winds initially but freshening southerly in afternoon. Freezing level falling to 450m for a time.
Fri 3 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Rain and summit snow clearing overnight then mostly dry with sunny spells. Occasionally fresh southerly then westerly winds easing. Freezing level 900m falling to 450m.
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.