Mountain weather
Mourne Mountains Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High confidence on the cool, unsettled and showery pattern this weekend followed by milder conditions from Monday afternoon. Low confidence on rainfall detail on Tuesday.
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.
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.
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
Mainly dry morning with some sunshine. Cloudier afternoon with risk of wintry showers. Significant wind chill in fresh to strong summit winds.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 700m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 700m) |
10% | 20% | 40% | 50% | 30% | 20% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
W
12
|
W
20
|
W
20
|
W
20
|
W
17
|
SW
18
|
| 300m |
NW
3
|
W
8
|
W
13
|
W
11
|
SW
7
|
SW
6
|
| Valley |
N
2
|
W
7
|
W
11
|
W
10
|
W
5
|
SW
5
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m | 18 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 24 | 26 |
| 300m | 6 | 17 | 21 | 20 | 14 | 14 |
| Valley | 5 | 17 | 20 | 20 | 14 | 14 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
2°
|
1°
|
2°
|
3°
|
2°
|
1°
|
| 300m |
0°
|
4°
|
5°
|
6°
|
4°
|
3°
|
| Valley |
1°
|
5°
|
7°
|
7°
|
6°
|
4°
|
| Freezing Level |
400m
|
600m
|
600m
|
700m
|
700m
|
700m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
-3°
|
-5°
|
-4°
|
-3°
|
-3°
|
-4°
|
| 300m |
-2°
|
0°
|
1°
|
2°
|
2°
|
0°
|
| Valley |
-1°
|
2°
|
4°
|
4°
|
4°
|
2°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Be prepared for winter conditions with sub zero wind chill on upper slopes. Gusts to around 30-35mph may make for some arduous walking on exposed terrain, balance may be affected at times.
Weather
A mainly dry morning with some sunshine. More in the way of cloud in the afternoon and a few showers, these possibly heavy with hail, snow on summits. A low risk of thunder. Occasionally fresh winds on summits bringing a significant wind chill.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
80%
Low cloud and visibility
A few patches of cloud around summit level in afternoon showers alongside brief visibility reductions. Otherwise visibility will be very good.
Mountain weather information
Weather
A band of rain clears east during the morning followed by heavy blustery showers. These showers falling as sleet or snow on summits into the afternoon, alongside a risk of hail and isolated thunder.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
20% at first, increasing to 80%.
Maximum wind speed expected
Mean speed 25-35mph on summits, gusting to 45mph frequently before dawn, then occasionally in showers thereafter.
Temperature
- At 700m Plus 2 Celsius, decreasing to Zero Celsius.
- Valley Plus 5 Celsius rising to 7 Celsius.
- Freezing level 1200m at first, decreasing to 400-600m during the afternoon.
Low cloud and visibility
Cloud bases around 500-600m at first, quickly lifting above summits. Visibility will be generally good once the band of rain has cleared, but occasionally deteriorating poor in showers
Mountain weather information
Mon 16 Mar
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A mainly dry, bright morning. Turning cloudy with outbreaks of rain in the afternoon. Freezing level 600m at first, then lifting above summits. Gales or severe gales on upper slopes.
Tue 17 Mar
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Largely cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Another very windy day with severe gales on summits. Freezing level above all summits.
Wed 18 Mar
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Mostly cloudy with the risk of rain tending to ease through the day. Fresh to strong winds on summits.
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 Mourne Mountains are a granite mountain range in County Down in the southeast of Northern Ireland, is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and has been proposed as the first National Park in Northern Ireland.