Mountain weather
Yorkshire Dales Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High confidence for a transition into cooler, more changeable conditions through the coming week, but lower confidence regarding details of showers/rainfall, especially from midweek.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
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
Bands of showery rain moving across the Dales through the day.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 600m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 600m) |
30% | 40% | 50% | 20% | 10% | <05% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
SE
14
|
S
12
|
SW
14
|
SW
20
|
SW
20
|
SW
13
|
| 300m |
SE
6
|
SE
8
|
SW
6
|
SW
14
|
SW
14
|
SW
7
|
| Valley |
E
7
|
SW
9
|
SW
4
|
SW
13
|
SW
12
|
SW
7
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m | 18 | 15 | 18 | 27 | 28 | 22 |
| 300m | 15 | 15 | 14 | 26 | 27 | 19 |
| Valley | 18 | 17 | 10 | 24 | 24 | 20 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
13°
|
15°
|
16°
|
14°
|
12°
|
11°
|
| 300m |
16°
|
17°
|
19°
|
17°
|
15°
|
12°
|
| Valley |
17°
|
17°
|
19°
|
18°
|
17°
|
14°
|
| Freezing Level |
3,000m
|
3,100m
|
2,500m
|
2,500m
|
1,800m
|
1,800m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
11°
|
13°
|
13°
|
10°
|
9°
|
8°
|
| 300m |
15°
|
16°
|
19°
|
14°
|
12°
|
11°
|
| Valley |
17°
|
16°
|
19°
|
16°
|
14°
|
13°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Outbreaks of heavy rain will likely require waterproofs. However, UV levels will become high in any sunny spells that develop during the afternoon. Despite this, it will feel chilly in the wind.
Weather
Low cloud and fog at first, mainly in eastern areas, gradually lifting through the morning. Bands of showery rain-some heavy and possibly thundery-will move northeast throughout the day. From early afternoon, sunny spells will develop as showers mostly clear away. Temperatures will be cooler than in recent days.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
20% through the morning, slowly rising to 50% by midday, then to 90% in the afternoon.
Low cloud and visibility
Areas of cloud base 200-300 metres at first, especially over eastern hills, will gradually lift to around 500-600 metres by midday, rising above all summits during the afternoon. However, it may lower again to around 600 metres in any showers. Visibility will generally be moderate or poor in the morning and very poor within cloud, improving to very good or excellent by midday, but may deteriorate again in any showers.
Recent rainfall
Location: Malham
Altitude: 375m
| Last 24 hours | Last 48 hours | Last 72 hours |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
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
Showers and outbreaks of rain expected for much of the day, which may be heavy and persistent. During the afternoon, rain likely becoming more showery in nature, with a few sunny spells developing between showers. Risk of thunder in the heaviest downpours. Becoming generally dry later in the evening.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
90% deteriorating to 30% through the morning, improving to 60% later in the afternoon.
Maximum wind speed expected
Southerly or southwesterly 15-20 mph with gusts of 30-35mph.
Temperature
- At 600m Plus 10 Celsius
- Valley Plus 10 Celsius rising to Plus 17 Celsius
- Freezing level Above all summits.
Low cloud and visibility
Areas of cloud will lower to 500-600 metres during the morning and may drop to this level again around showers in the afternoon; otherwise, it will be above summits. Visibility will be good to very good, but may reduce to moderate or poor in persistent morning rain and in any afternoon showers, and become very poor in cloud.
Mountain weather information
Wed 16 Jul
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Early low cloud and fog soon clearing to leave a largely dry day with bright or sunny spells, but a risk of showers. Light to moderate northwesterly winds. Feeling much cooler and fresher.
Thu 17 Jul
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Largely dry, but with the chance of further rain or showers at times, perhaps thundery in the afternoon. Light southerly winds. Low confidence in the details at this stage.
Fri 18 Jul
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Similar to Thursday, risk of rain or showers with the risk of afternoon thunderstorms. Light to moderate southwesterly winds.
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.