Mountain weather
Lake District Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High confidence for cold conditions continuing over the weekend with a cold Arctic air mass over the United Kingdom, temperatures at low levels are unlikely to rise above zero. Some snow showers may drift into the area at times.
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.
Mountain weather forecast
A dry and sunny day but feeling very cold with fresh northwesterly winds.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
<05% | <05% | <05% | <05% | <05% | <05% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
N
40
|
N
38
|
N
30
|
N
32
|
N
33
|
N
32
|
| 600m |
NW
24
|
N
23
|
N
22
|
NW
22
|
NW
21
|
NW
19
|
| 300m |
NW
8
|
NW
10
|
N
10
|
N
10
|
N
8
|
NW
7
|
| Valley |
N
8
|
N
12
|
N
12
|
N
10
|
N
9
|
NW
9
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m | 47 | 44 | 38 | 40 | 40 | 39 |
| 600m | 31 | 31 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 28 |
| 300m | 29 | 30 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 25 |
| Valley | 29 | 32 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
-8°
|
-7°
|
-7°
|
-7°
|
-8°
|
-8°
|
| 600m |
-5°
|
-5°
|
-4°
|
-4°
|
-5°
|
-6°
|
| 300m |
-3°
|
-2°
|
-1°
|
-2°
|
-3°
|
-4°
|
| Valley |
-1°
|
0°
|
1°
|
1°
|
0°
|
-1°
|
| Freezing Level |
0m
|
0m
|
0m
|
0m
|
0m
|
0m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
-20°
|
-19°
|
-17°
|
-18°
|
-18°
|
-19°
|
| 600m |
-14°
|
-14°
|
-12°
|
-13°
|
-14°
|
-14°
|
| 300m |
-7°
|
-8°
|
-6°
|
-7°
|
-8°
|
-8°
|
| Valley |
-4°
|
-6°
|
-4°
|
-4°
|
-5°
|
-5°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Very cold conditions with freezing conditions at all levels and ice in places, extra care should be taken for icy conditions. Strong winds at higher levels will enhance the cold feel and it will be hard to stay warm.
Weather
A sharp frost to start with ice forming on untreated surfaces. A dry and bright day is expected with plenty of weak winter sunshine through the day. Feeling very cold with fresh northwesterly winds enhancing the severe windchill.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
95% a mainly clear day, perhaps some patches of low cloud on the higher summits.
Low cloud and visibility
Very little cloud expected with excellent visibility, perhaps a few patches of cloud above 700m at times but generally far reaching views available.
Ground conditions
Full report: Observations from Blencathra summit today. Another day of amazing winter weather today, cold and dry with clear summits. It was freezing from the valley and any lying water was well frozen, whilst the lower part of the mountain was very dry underfoot with just patches of water ice and frozen turf to take care over, the upper reaches were in full winter condition. From about 750m upwards the frost from many cold nights was present, many rocks have a thin coating of water ice (verglas) and there was a thin dusting of snow, often obscuring the ice underneath. The conditions on Sharp Edge changed notably from about the 'bad step' upwards becoming increasingly more icy/snowed meaning by the end of the ridge micro-spikes and possibly and ice axe for support and hooking was a really good idea for security. The general weather conditions were amazing and perfect for being out on the fells, but with a wind-chill of -15.5 full winter equipment is required for comfort and safe travel with hat, gloves and lots of warm layers. This pattern of weather and ground conditions looks set to continue over the weekend so plan ahead, be flexible, and be well prepared for icy cold conditions.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Another mainly dry and bright but very cold day, risk of a passing snow shower but generally dry and clear. Fresh northwesterly winds will enhance the cold feel and with such cold temperatures ice should be expected on untreated surfaces.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
95%, patches of cloud possible.
Maximum wind speed expected
Northwest 15-20mph
Temperature
- At 800m Minus 6 Celsius
- Valley Minus 3 rising to Plus 1 Celsius
- Freezing level surface level
Low cloud and visibility
Generally very little cloud at lower levels and excellent visibility around the Lake District.
Mountain weather information
Mon 5 Jan
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Cold but dry and bright conditions continuing with fresh northwesterly winds and excellent visibility. Increasing risk of a passing wintry shower in the afternoon.
Tue 6 Jan
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Winds likely to come round to the west with a risk of wintry showers and poor visibility, remaining cold with freezing level 400m or less.
Wed 7 Jan
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Details uncertain but remaining cold with more cloud and increasing risk of wintry showers.
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.