Mountain weather
Peak District Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for unsettled, often wintry conditions throughout the forecast period, including a period of very strong winds on Thursday. Lower for the snow-level on Friday, and the timings of arrival and clearance of more persistent bands of rain and snow, especially by the weekend.
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.
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.
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.
Heavy Persistent Rain
Heavy and persistent rain can lead to drenched clothing and footwear with waterproofs often becoming soaked through, especially if accompanied by strong winds. This can lead to significant loss of body heat and an increased likelihood of hypothermia. Terrain may turn increasingly boggy underfoot while streams can flood and become impassable. There may also be a risk of flooding in valleys or glens. If there is snow cover, a heightened avalanche hazard is possible and avalanche reports should be consulted where available.
Mountain weather forecast
Very windy with heavy rain spreading south during the afternoon.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 600m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 600m) |
40% | 50% | 90% | 90% | 90% | 70% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
SW
37
|
SW
39
|
SW
41
|
SW
42
|
SW
41
|
SW
29
|
| 300m |
SW
27
|
S
30
|
S
32
|
SW
33
|
SW
32
|
SW
21
|
| Valley |
SW
16
|
S
18
|
S
20
|
SW
23
|
SW
20
|
W
14
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m | 46 | 49 | 53 | 55 | 54 | 38 |
| 300m | 37 | 40 | 44 | 46 | 46 | 31 |
| Valley | 34 | 38 | 42 | 46 | 42 | 29 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
4°
|
5°
|
7°
|
8°
|
7°
|
4°
|
| 300m |
7°
|
8°
|
10°
|
11°
|
10°
|
7°
|
| Valley |
8°
|
8°
|
10°
|
12°
|
10°
|
7°
|
| Freezing Level |
1,200m
|
1,600m
|
1,900m
|
1,900m
|
1,800m
|
1,300m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
-3°
|
-2°
|
0°
|
2°
|
1°
|
-2°
|
| 300m |
2°
|
2°
|
5°
|
6°
|
5°
|
2°
|
| Valley |
4°
|
5°
|
7°
|
8°
|
6°
|
4°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Gusts are likely to approach 60mph over the highest routes, with some sudden gusts through the late afternoon. Even for lower level walks progress is likely to be impeded times. Warm waterproof layers essential.
Weather
A cloudy morning but mostly dry. A few outbreaks of rain are possible, with these turning persistent through the afternoon, and then briefly heavier during the late afternoon and evening. Winds also strengthening throughout, becoming very strong and gusty for time. Some colder, clearer spells developing around midnight.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
30% in the west, 50% in the east. Improving after dark to 80% by midnight.
Low cloud and visibility
Cloud obscuring hills above 500m, most frequently in the west. Some patches possible down to 400m during heaviest rain, however cloud then breaking after dark. Outside of cloud, visibility will be good falling to several kilometres in rain and drizzle.
Recent rainfall
Location: Cat & Fiddle (Midway between Buxton and Macclesfield)
Altitude: 511m
| Last 24 hours | Last 48 hours | Last 72 hours |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5mm | 1.9mm | 2mm |
Measurement date:
Rainfall data provided by the Environment Agency. The Met Office is not responsible for content provided by third parties and may remove this data without warning.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Cold with clear spells, and perhaps some icy routes to start. Sunny spells and isolated showers are then expected, falling as snow above 400m. While not as windy as Thursday, it will still be breezy, with a notable chill. This snow level rising above the summits after dark.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
80%, but 40% during the evening.
Maximum wind speed expected
Westerly 25mph gusting 30-40mph.
Temperature
- At 600m Zero Celsius rising to Plus 2 Celsius
- Valley Plus 1 Celsius rising to Plus 8 Celsius
- Freezing level 500m but rising above summits the evening.
Low cloud and visibility
Cloud largely above summit level, although the odd patch could obscure tops around 600m with showers. Chance of more extensive cloud moving in after dark, again obscuring tops above 500m. Outside of cloud, visibility will be very good falling to around 5-10 kilometres in heavy rain, and a kilometre or so in any snow.
Mountain weather information
Sat 14 Mar
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A few early showers then mainly dry with sunny spells. Cloud increasing through the evening. Occasionally strong westerly winds backing southwesterly and easing. Freezing level above summits
Sun 15 Mar
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Cloudy with rain, preceded by snow on higher summits, clearing to sunny spells and blustery wintry showers in afternoon. Windy with summit gales. Freezing level above summits, falling to 600m later.
Mon 16 Mar
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Early wintry showers dying out with sunny spells developing but cloud and rain spreading east in afternoon. Strong westerly winds, summit gales, easing. Freezing level 600m, rising later.
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 Peak District is home to a wide variety of magnificent hills, moors, outcrops and gritstone edges.