Mountain weather
Lake District Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for general themes. Medium for cloud detail.
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.
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.
Mountain weather forecast
Dry. Chilly winds. Sunny or clear spells possible.
| 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 |
E
32
|
E
34
|
E
26
|
E
26
|
E
24
|
E
23
|
| 600m |
E
33
|
E
32
|
E
19
|
E
18
|
E
16
|
E
16
|
| 300m |
E
13
|
E
11
|
E
4
|
E
4
|
E
4
|
E
4
|
| Valley |
NE
4
|
NE
3
|
E
4
|
E
4
|
NE
4
|
NE
5
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m | 42 | 43 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 |
| 600m | 44 | 43 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 23 |
| 300m | 31 | 28 | 13 | 17 | 14 | 16 |
| Valley | 10 | 7 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 10 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
1°
|
0°
|
-1°
|
-1°
|
-1°
|
-1°
|
| 600m |
0°
|
0°
|
1°
|
1°
|
1°
|
0°
|
| 300m |
2°
|
3°
|
4°
|
3°
|
2°
|
1°
|
| Valley |
4°
|
4°
|
6°
|
6°
|
4°
|
4°
|
| Freezing Level |
500m
|
600m
|
600m
|
600m
|
500m
|
400m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
-7°
|
-8°
|
-9°
|
-8°
|
-8°
|
-8°
|
| 600m |
-8°
|
-7°
|
-5°
|
-4°
|
-5°
|
-6°
|
| 300m |
-2°
|
-2°
|
2°
|
1°
|
0°
|
-1°
|
| Valley |
2°
|
2°
|
4°
|
4°
|
3°
|
2°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Nothing further to add.
Weather
Mainly dry, although the cloud could be thick enough at times in the east to give patchy light rain or snow flurries across the Eastern and Far Eastern Fells. Sunny or clear spells expected, the best of these across the Western and Northwestern Fells. Significant wind chill at height.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
50% east, 80% west
Low cloud and visibility
Occasional or extensive cloud at times in the east, base 400 to 600m, but become well broken or clear at times in the west. Visibility moderate to very poor in cloud, otherwise good or very good.
Ground conditions
Date: Tuesday 23 December. Location: Harrison Stickle (736m) at 1115am. Temperature plus 3.2degC. Maximum wind speed 7.6mph. Wind chill minus 0.9degC. Average wind speed 2.9mph Full report: Grey, mild, damp above 600m Calm conditions prevailed today, with valley mist trapped beneath a blanket of grey cloud. Observations were taken from Langdale, including Harrison Stickle (736m). The temperature gradient was minimal, with only around a 2°C difference between the valley floor at approximately 100m and the tops of the Langdale Pikes, where temperatures hovered around plus 3°C. Paths at mid-height were relatively dry, while damp cobbles were common both in the valleys and again at higher elevations, increasing the risk of slips. Light winds provided little drying effect. With these mild conditions, no snow is present or expected on Helvellyn or other high fells for the time being. Visibility was poor at height with careful navigation needed on unfamiliar ground. The Christmas Eve forecast looks largely dry, but with an increase in wind speed and continued low cloud, particularly across the eastern side of the National Park. Although air temperatures are expected to remain relatively mild, a noticeable wind chill is likely on exposed ground so still carry winter clothing. This is an automated email. If you need a response please email [email protected]
Mountain weather information
Weather
Cloudier skies possible in the east at times with perhaps a little patchy light rain or snow flurries. However, the cloud should readily thin and break on Christmas Day, the best of the sunny or clear conditions in the west of the park. Chilly easterly winds with a significant wind chill at height.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
50% east, 80% west
Maximum wind speed expected
East 25mph gusting 35mph with a significant wind chill.
Temperature
- At 800m Zero to Minus 2 Celsius.
- Valley Zero to Plus 6 Celsius.
- Freezing level 600 to 900m by day, but most levels at night.
Low cloud and visibility
Occasional or extensive cloud at times in the east, base 400 to 600m, but become well broken or clear at times in the west. Visibility moderate to very poor in cloud, otherwise good or very good.
Mountain weather information
Fri 26 Dec
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Dry and often clear or sunny. Widespread frost at night, but freezing level rising to around the summits by day. Significant wind chill. Strong easterly winds at height.
Sat 27 Dec
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Mainly dry. Variable cloud. Lowering temperature inversion could see the summits become clear even if the cloud is rather extensive. Wind chill. Moderate or fresh east or northeast winds at height. Freezing level mainly near the summits, but a frost possible at all levels early and late.
Sun 28 Dec
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Mainly dry. Variable cloud. Lowering temperature inversion could see the summits become clear even if the cloud is rather extensive. Light or moderate east or northeast winds at height. Freezing level mainly near the summits, but a frost possible at all levels early and late.
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.