Mountain weather
Lake District Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High confidence for generally dry and settled weather this week. Low confidence by the end of the week with the potential for conditions to turn more changeable and unsettled.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
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.
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.
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.
Mountain weather forecast
Mostly dry morning with sunny spells, a few afternoon showers possible.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
40% | 40% | 10% | 30% | 40% | 00% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
NE
15
|
N
16
|
N
12
|
N
15
|
N
18
|
NE
21
|
| 600m |
N
8
|
N
11
|
NW
10
|
N
13
|
N
12
|
NE
13
|
| 300m |
N
4
|
N
7
|
N
6
|
N
7
|
N
5
|
NE
3
|
| Valley |
N
3
|
N
4
|
NW
5
|
NW
7
|
N
6
|
NE
2
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m | 17 | 20 | 16 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
| 600m | 12 | 14 | 13 | 17 | 16 | 18 |
| 300m | 13 | 14 | 12 | 16 | 15 | 14 |
| Valley | 9 | 12 | 11 | 15 | 15 | 12 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
6°
|
5°
|
7°
|
7°
|
6°
|
5°
|
| 600m |
6°
|
8°
|
9°
|
9°
|
9°
|
7°
|
| 300m |
8°
|
11°
|
13°
|
13°
|
12°
|
10°
|
| Valley |
10°
|
13°
|
15°
|
15°
|
14°
|
12°
|
| Freezing Level |
1,700m
|
1,700m
|
1,600m
|
1,700m
|
1,800m
|
1,700m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
2°
|
1°
|
4°
|
3°
|
2°
|
0°
|
| 600m |
4°
|
5°
|
7°
|
6°
|
6°
|
4°
|
| 300m |
7°
|
10°
|
12°
|
12°
|
11°
|
9°
|
| Valley |
10°
|
13°
|
14°
|
14°
|
13°
|
11°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Strong sunshine, suitable sun protection advised. Still feeling a little chilly on higher routes.
Weather
Some mist and fog in the valleys in the morning, but soon clearing after dawn. This leaves a largely dry morning with variable cloud and sunny spells. A few showers possible in the afternon, potentially heavy and thundery. A little chilly on the summits, mainly in hours of darkness.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
80%.
Low cloud and visibility
A few fog patches possible in the early morning before lifting, giving some isolated low cloud bases of around 400-500m for a time in the morning. Cloud generally above summits for the rest of the day but some lingering bases at 800-1000m at times. Visibility very good but moderate in showers and poor in any fog.
Ground conditions
No recent ground conditions report available.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Early morning valley fog soon clearing. Otherwise, mostly cloudy through the morning and afternoon with some sunny intervals but also some light outbreaks of rain possible. Dry with clear skies developing in the evening. Light to moderate northeasterly breeze.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
70%.
Maximum wind speed expected
Northeast 15-20mph.
Temperature
- At 800m Plus 4C rising to 10C in the afternoon.
- Valley Pus 7C rising to 15C in the afternoon.
- Freezing level Above summits.
Low cloud and visibility
Occasional low cloud bases down to 600-800m through the day, but still breaks and good chance of cloud free summits. Visibility moderate or poor in cloud and fog, otherwise good.
Mountain weather information
Wed 29 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Dry with largely clear skies and plenty of sunshine. Breezy easterly winds.
Thu 30 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Another dry day with plenty of sunshine on offer. Breezy easterly winds.
Fri 1 May
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Largely dry with sunny spells but a few showers possible. Mostly light winds, breezy on summits.
Updated at:
Summit specific forecast
Mountain summit forecast map
Loading map…
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.