Mountain weather
Peak District Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High confidence for winds to ease and colder conditions to develop on Easter Sunday, but low with the extent of showers and the penetration of any snow to lower levels. Also high for drier and more benign conditions on Easter Monday. Confidence remains moderate for the overall weather story through the outlook period, but low for the extent of cloud and also the details from Thursday.
This evening forecast
Storm Dave will bring severe gale winds, perhaps storm force briefly, leading to near impossible mobility at times and the chance of being blown over, especially across high level routes. Blustery showers are also likely, along with some drier intervals.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
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.
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.
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.
Mountain weather forecast
Winds easing from overnight, but still breezy. Occasional showers and sunny spells follow, with sleet or snow showers possible above 500m.
| Time | 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 600m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 600m) |
30% | 30% | 40% | 60% | 30% | 30% | 30% | 10% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
W
39
|
W
28
|
W
20
|
W
22
|
W
29
|
W
30
|
W
23
|
SW
14
|
| 300m |
W
30
|
W
20
|
SW
15
|
W
17
|
W
24
|
W
25
|
W
18
|
SW
10
|
| Valley |
W
22
|
W
15
|
W
10
|
W
13
|
W
19
|
W
20
|
W
14
|
SW
6
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m | 51 | 38 | 27 | 30 | 40 | 42 | 32 | 20 |
| 300m | 42 | 29 | 24 | 25 | 35 | 37 | 27 | 16 |
| Valley | 43 | 30 | 23 | 25 | 35 | 37 | 28 | 16 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
3°
|
1°
|
1°
|
1°
|
2°
|
3°
|
2°
|
1°
|
| 300m |
6°
|
4°
|
3°
|
4°
|
5°
|
6°
|
5°
|
4°
|
| Valley |
6°
|
5°
|
4°
|
5°
|
6°
|
7°
|
6°
|
4°
|
| Freezing Level |
800m
|
700m
|
700m
|
600m
|
600m
|
500m
|
500m
|
600m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
-5°
|
-6°
|
-6°
|
-6°
|
-5°
|
-4°
|
-4°
|
-4°
|
| 300m |
0°
|
-1°
|
-2°
|
-1°
|
0°
|
0°
|
0°
|
0°
|
| Valley |
1°
|
0°
|
0°
|
1°
|
2°
|
2°
|
2°
|
2°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
While winds will ease somewhat compared to overnight, they will remains brisk on the highest summits. Frozen routes are possible with the freezing level falling, and with the potential for brief spells of sleet or snow at height, appropriate footwear, warm layers and navigation skills will be essential for those enjoying an Easter Sunday hike.
Weather
Overnight strong winds will ease by dawn, but staying rather breezy, especially across the tops. Occasional showers are likely to follow, heavy at times. With freezing levels falling these are likely to fall as sleet or snow above 500m, with hail also possible at all levels. Showers will be most frequent during the morning, and while unlikely, the odd rumble of thunder cannot be completely ruled. Between showers, some fine spells of sunshine are likely, however it will be feeling chilly in the brisk winds.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
40% during the morning rising to 90% by the afternoon
Low cloud and visibility
Cloud will be more extensive during the morning, obscuring most routes above 500m, but still with some clearer spells possible. As cloud breaks and clears by the afternoon, cloud will become patchier at around 600m. Occasional showers could also bring the odd spell of cloud down to 300m. Mainly very good to excellent visibility expected outside of cloud, but falling to moderate with any rain, and down to just a few km in snow.
Recent rainfall
Location: Cat & Fiddle (Midway between Buxton and Macclesfield)
Altitude: 511m
| Last 24 hours | Last 48 hours | Last 72 hours |
|---|---|---|
| 3.9mm | 5.5mm | 6.7mm |
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
A cold, frosty start. A mostly fine day follows, with any very isolated showers quickly easing through the morning. Winds will become light, with temperatures recovering a little comparted to Sunday. High cloud will be slow to break and clear, however some brighter or sunny spells are possible later.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
90%
Maximum wind speed expected
Southerly 10-20mph
Temperature
- At 600m Zero Celsius rising to Plus 8 Celsius
- Valley Minus 1 Celsius rising to Plus 11 Celsius
- Freezing level 500m at first, but soon rising above summits.
Low cloud and visibility
Cloud largely above summits, with just the odd patch possible above 600m at first. Mostly very good visibility expected, with some wide ranging views of distant peaks.
Mountain weather information
Tue 7 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Chilly start. Some high cloud could lead to any sunshine being rather hazy, but soon feeling rather warm Staying cooler on exposed routes in the moderate south-easterly breeze. Freezing level above summits.
Wed 8 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A similar day to Tuesday at first, but potentially turning cloudier by the afternoon, with cloud perhaps low enough to obscure highest tops. Moderate westerly winds developing. Freezing level above summits.
Thu 9 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Cloudier with occasional showers. Still some sunny spells possible, but temperatures nearer normal for April. Freezing level staying above 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 Peak District is home to a wide variety of magnificent hills, moors, outcrops and gritstone edges.