Mountain weather
Yorkshire Dales Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for changeable weather for the next few days. Low for timing of clearance of rain on Wednesday and Friday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Windy with rain at times, briefly heavy during the afternoon. Sunny spells and showers follow.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 600m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 600m) |
30% | 30% | 90% | 30% | 20% | 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 |
S
21
|
S
23
|
S
23
|
S
20
|
SW
20
|
SW
23
|
| 300m |
S
11
|
S
12
|
S
17
|
S
14
|
SW
13
|
SW
13
|
| Valley |
S
10
|
S
12
|
S
14
|
S
11
|
SW
10
|
S
11
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m | 29 | 31 | 32 | 28 | 29 | 33 |
| 300m | 23 | 25 | 32 | 28 | 28 | 30 |
| Valley | 25 | 26 | 29 | 26 | 23 | 27 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
9°
|
9°
|
10°
|
8°
|
7°
|
5°
|
| 300m |
10°
|
11°
|
13°
|
11°
|
9°
|
7°
|
| Valley |
12°
|
13°
|
15°
|
12°
|
11°
|
9°
|
| Freezing Level |
2,200m
|
2,100m
|
1,900m
|
1,800m
|
1,400m
|
1,300m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
5°
|
4°
|
6°
|
4°
|
2°
|
0°
|
| 300m |
8°
|
9°
|
10°
|
8°
|
6°
|
4°
|
| Valley |
10°
|
11°
|
12°
|
10°
|
9°
|
6°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Warm waterproof layers will be essential, and be prepared for a period of strong winds and heavy rain moving through early afternoon. UV levels will also increase in the late afternoon sunshine.
Weather
The morning will be cloudy with outbreaks of rain, but some drier spells of weather too. Rain will turn heavy for a time early afternoon, with strong blustery winds before clearing east. Then the rest of the day will see variable amounts of cloud with the chance of a few passing heavy showers. A very isolated rumble of thunder cannot be completely ruled out during the heavier rain or showers.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
40% rising to 80% from mid-afternoon.
Low cloud and visibility
Widespread cloud will obscure routes and tops above 600 metres, but could be down to 500m at times across west-facing slopes. Cloud tending to break and lift from mid-afternoon, but could return with any heavier showers. Outside of cloud, visibility will be moderate to poor due to the rain or drizzle, but increasing to good or very good by late afternoon.
Recent rainfall
Location: Malham
Altitude: 375m
| Last 24 hours | Last 48 hours | Last 72 hours |
|---|---|---|
| 6.3mm | 6.7mm | 11.8mm |
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
Variable amounts of cloud with some sunny intervals but also occasional showers moving through. Despite some warm sunshine, it will be feeling cooler in the strong winds, especially at height.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
40% becoming 90%
Maximum wind speed expected
Southwesterly 25 mph gust 40 mph, easing to around 15 mph by the afternoon.
Temperature
- At 600m Plus 7 Celsius
- Valley Plus 5 Celsius rising to Plus 15 Celsius
- Freezing level Above summits
Low cloud and visibility
Areas of cloud will obscure hills and routes above 500m during the morning, before lifting and breaking through the morning with all hills likely clear by the afternoon. Outside of cloud visibility will be mostly good or very good, but falling to moderate with any passing showers.
Mountain weather information
Fri 17 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Cloudier start with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, perhaps the odd heavier burst. This most likely during the afternoon with a band of heavy rain moving through. Freezing level staying above the summits.
Sat 18 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Sunny spells and showers, with temperatures near normal for mid-April. Likely staying breezy, with strong gusts near any showers. Freezing level staying above the summits.
Sun 19 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A largely dry day, with light winds. Early brighter or sunny spells are likely to turn hazy as high cloud builds, however summits are likely to remain clear. Freezing level staying above the 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 Yorkshire Dales National Park covers an area of 683 square miles and is a collection of rivers, valleys and hills.