Mountain weather
Yorkshire Dales Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for the unsettled theme during the coming days. Moderate for cloud and precipitation details, becoming low into next week.
This evening forecast
Generally cloudy this evening, with outbreaks of light and patchy rain possible. Cloud is expected to remain above the hilltops, with generally good visibility, although this could fall to moderate in any rain. Southerly wind strengthening.
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.
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.
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
Early rain and wind clearing to sunshine and blustery heavy, perhaps thundery, showers. Feeling cold, with snow on higher ground.
| 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) |
10% | 50% | 90% | 60% | 30% | 20% | 20% | 40% |
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 |
S
27
|
S
23
|
SW
14
|
SW
19
|
SW
21
|
SW
22
|
S
22
|
S
28
|
| 300m |
S
17
|
S
12
|
SW
8
|
SW
13
|
SW
16
|
SW
17
|
S
14
|
S
18
|
| Valley |
SE
16
|
S
15
|
SW
7
|
SW
13
|
SW
16
|
SW
16
|
S
13
|
S
18
|
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 | 40 | 33 | 20 | 27 | 31 | 33 | 33 | 41 |
| 300m | 36 | 28 | 17 | 24 | 29 | 32 | 29 | 36 |
| Valley | 36 | 34 | 16 | 24 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 35 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
3°
|
2°
|
1°
|
1°
|
2°
|
3°
|
3°
|
2°
|
| 300m |
5°
|
5°
|
3°
|
4°
|
6°
|
6°
|
6°
|
4°
|
| Valley |
7°
|
6°
|
4°
|
6°
|
7°
|
8°
|
7°
|
6°
|
| Freezing Level |
1,000m
|
1,200m
|
600m
|
500m
|
500m
|
600m
|
700m
|
700m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 00:00 | 03:00 | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
-3°
|
-4°
|
-5°
|
-5°
|
-4°
|
-3°
|
-3°
|
-6°
|
| 300m |
1°
|
1°
|
0°
|
0°
|
1°
|
2°
|
2°
|
-1°
|
| Valley |
3°
|
2°
|
2°
|
2°
|
3°
|
4°
|
4°
|
1°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
A day for layers. Feeling cold in the wind, especially so in any snow at higher levels, but Moderate UV levels are likely in sunny spells, so sun protection should also be considered. Gusts may reach 50mph on more exposed summits and ridges, making for difficult walking conditions with a risk of being blown off balance.
Weather
A band of rain and strong winds will move eastwards across the Park during the early hours, this heavy at times, and turning to snow above 500-600m around dawn. Rain and hill snow will clear away to the east around mid-morning, with sunny spells developing. There will be a brief lull in the wind before it picks up again in the afternoon. Isolated blustery showers will follow for the afternoon and evening, these potentially heavy with hail and thunder. Showers will fall as snow above 500-600m during the afternoon, before mostly turning back to rain during the evening. Feeling cold in the wind.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
40% at first, becoming 80% around mid-morning.
Low cloud and visibility
Areas of cloud base 400-500m at first, this clearing with cloud bases lifting mostly above the hilltops except in any heavier showers. Visibility moderate to very poor at first in rain, hill snow and low cloud, but becoming very good around mid-morning. However, temporarily poor or very poor in showers during the afternoon and evening.
Recent rainfall
Location: Malham
Altitude: 375m
| Last 24 hours | Last 48 hours | Last 72 hours |
|---|---|---|
| 0.9mm | 2.5mm | 2.5mm |
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 day of sunny or clear spells mixed with showers, these potentially heavy with hail and thunder. The showers are likely to band together during the early hours, but become more isolated for the day time. Windy at first, with a risk of gales on highest summits, but this easing during the day.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
60% becoming 90% by mid-morning.
Maximum wind speed expected
Southwesterly 25-35mph, gusting 40-50mph at first, then easing.
Temperature
- At 600m Plus 2C becoming Plus 5C.
- Valley Plus 3C becoming Plus 8C.
- Freezing level Just above summits.
Low cloud and visibility
Areas of cloud base 500-600m overnight, this mostly lifting above the summits by mid-morning, except in any heavier showers. Visibility mostly very good, but temporarily poor or very poor in heavier showers.
Mountain weather information
Mon 13 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Sunshine and showers, these potentially heavy with hail and thunder. Moderate southerly or southwesterly winds. Freezing level just above summits.
Tue 14 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Mostly dry with sunny spells, perhaps isolated showers. Cloud thickening later. Light to moderate southerly or southeasterly winds. Freezing level rising well above summits.
Wed 15 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Mostly cloudy with some rain or showers possible. Fresh southerly winds. Freezing level 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 Yorkshire Dales National Park covers an area of 683 square miles and is a collection of rivers, valleys and hills.