Mountain weather

Mountain weather

Mourne Mountains

Confidence

High confidence in the general story until Monday, but lower confidence in details on Sunday morning. Lower confidence for extent of cloud and rain from Monday onwards.

Mountain hazards

Mountain weather hazards

Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.

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.

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.

Mountain weather forecast

Dry, bright start. Cloud, rain soon arrive in morning. Becoming dry, bright through afternoon. Windy.

Time
Time
06:00
09:00
12:00
15:00
18:00
21:00
Weather
(at 800m)
Weather symbols Cloudy Light rain Light rain Light rain Dull Dull
Chance of
precipitation
(at 800m)
Chance of precipitation
10%
40%
60%
40%
10%
30%

Wind direction and speed

Altitude above mean sea level
Time
Time
06:00
09:00
12:00
15:00
18:00
21:00
600m
600m W 42mph knots
W
42mph
W 34mph knots
W
34mph
W 29mph knots
W
29mph
W 24mph knots
W
24mph
W 21mph knots
W
21mph
W 18mph knots
W
18mph
300m
300m W 16mph knots
W
16mph
W 19mph knots
W
19mph
W 16mph knots
W
16mph
W 13mph knots
W
13mph
W 11mph knots
W
11mph
W 8mph knots
W
8mph
Valley
Valley W 14mph knots
W
14mph
W 17mph knots
W
17mph
W 15mph knots
W
15mph
W 11mph knots
W
11mph
W 10mph knots
W
10mph
W 6mph knots
W
6mph

Wind gust

Altitude above mean sea level
Time
Time
06:00
09:00
12:00
15:00
18:00
21:00
600m
600m 59mph 47mph 41mph 34mph 30mph 25mph
300m
300m 33mph 33mph 29mph 24mph 21mph 15mph
Valley
Valley 34mph 33mph 29mph 23mph 21mph 14mph

Altitude above mean sea level
Time
Time
06:00
09:00
12:00
15:00
18:00
21:00
600m
600m 5 degrees Celsius 7 degrees Celsius 8 degrees Celsius 9 degrees Celsius 10 degrees Celsius 9 degrees Celsius
300m
300m 11 degrees Celsius 12 degrees Celsius 14 degrees Celsius 14 degrees Celsius 14 degrees Celsius 13 degrees Celsius
Valley
Valley 12 degrees Celsius 13 degrees Celsius 15 degrees Celsius 16 degrees Celsius 16 degrees Celsius 15 degrees Celsius
Freezing Level Freezing Level
3400m
3400m
3200m
3100m
3300m
3300m

Additional weather information

Meteorologist's view

Widespread low cloud for much of the day will make for difficult navigation at times. Where the sun breaks out in the afternoon UV levels will be high so suitable protection is advised. Windy conditions through the morning will make for difficult walking conditions with a risk of being blown off balance and energy output significantly increased when walking into the wind.

Weather

Largely dry to start the day with some clear spells. Cloud and outbreaks of rain spread south during the morning, rain perhaps heavy at times. This clearing around mid-afternoon to leave dry weather and sunny spells. Cloud and outbreaks of light rain spread back east later in the evening. Strong west to southwest winds with summit gales in the morning, winds will ease through the afternoon.

Chance of cloud-free hill tops

75% first thing, falling to 20% or less during the morning. Rising to 90% or higher from mid-afternoon. Falling back to 20% or less during late evening.

Low cloud and visibility

Mostly clear summits in the early morning with only the odd patch of cloud possible around 400-600m. Widespread cloud down to 400-600m will spread south through the morning with visibilities falling moderate or poor in hill fog and outbreaks of rain. This clearing during the afternoon to leave summits clear and good visibilities. Widespread low cloud returning through late evening.

Ground conditions

No recent ground conditions report available.

Summit specific forecast