Mountain weather
Lake District Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for the mobile nature of the westerly weather patterns, but lowering for the transitional timing detail.
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.
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
Fair weather to start. Rain developing by late afternoon. Strong summit winds.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
<05% | <05% | 10% | 20% | 80% | 80% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
SE
28
|
S
24
|
S
18
|
S
13
|
N
13
|
N
16
|
| 600m |
SE
26
|
S
22
|
S
15
|
SW
11
|
NW
11
|
NW
14
|
| 300m |
S
5
|
S
5
|
S
6
|
S
5
|
NW
7
|
N
11
|
| Valley |
SE
5
|
SE
3
|
S
4
|
S
5
|
N
7
|
N
15
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m | 32 | 29 | 23 | 17 | 16 | 21 |
| 600m | 35 | 30 | 19 | 14 | 14 | 20 |
| 300m | 22 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 22 |
| Valley | 21 | 17 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 22 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
5°
|
6°
|
6°
|
6°
|
4°
|
0°
|
| 600m |
6°
|
7°
|
8°
|
8°
|
5°
|
2°
|
| 300m |
8°
|
9°
|
11°
|
11°
|
6°
|
3°
|
| Valley |
9°
|
10°
|
12°
|
12°
|
8°
|
6°
|
| Freezing Level |
1,800m
|
1,700m
|
1,700m
|
1,700m
|
1,800m
|
1,600m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
0°
|
1°
|
1°
|
2°
|
0°
|
-6°
|
| 600m |
1°
|
2°
|
4°
|
6°
|
1°
|
-4°
|
| 300m |
6°
|
8°
|
10°
|
10°
|
4°
|
-1°
|
| Valley |
8°
|
9°
|
11°
|
11°
|
6°
|
2°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Nothing to add.
Weather
Dry and bright start to the day. Cloud feeding from the west from late afternoon, with a band of occasionally heavy rain gradually crossing the area during the evening.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
70% becoming 10% by late afternoon
Low cloud and visibility
Good or very good becoming moderate or poor in rain, very poor within cloud, this becoming extensive from 600m from the afternoon.
Ground conditions
Date: Wednesday 4 March Location: Bowfell summit (902m) at 13:00 Full report: Blustery, Sunny. A rather cloudy start to the day with patches of hill mist and cloud sitting below the highest summits. This gradually cleared through the morning, giving way to a bright and sunny afternoon. Visibility was generally good locally, although the view beyond the county remained hazy. For a second day running and despite a blustery wind temperatures stayed in single figures but with a positive wind chill. Once sheltered from the wind, it was pleasantly warm sitting in the sun. Today's observations were taken from the summit of Bowfell to assess whether any snow remains across the Scafell and central fells. Only the most occasional patches persist, with Helvellyn still likely holding the greatest concentration above 850m. Rock was largely dry, aside from a slight greasy dampness in shaded areas and some small pockets of overnight ice. Rock climbers were making the most of the dry conditions on the south-facing crags of Pike of Blisco. Paths, tracks and trods across the fells were also dry, making for generally pleasant walking underfoot. Tomorrow looks set to deteriorate slightly compared to today. Similar cloud cover is expected in the morning, with the possibility of drizzle and a strengthening wind that may make it feel markedly colder at times. As always, it is wise to carry a full set of waterproofs, hats and gloves, along with basic emergency kit in your rucksack. Enjoy the Lake District National Park. Temperature: plus 7.7C, Maximum wind speed 32.4mph, Wind chill: plus 4.7C, Average wind speed: 13.2mph
Mountain weather information
Weather
Rain during the morning, falling as snow above around 300m. Clearing to largely dry and occasionally bright conditions during the afternoon. Light winds.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
10% or less becoming 60% by mid-afternoon
Maximum wind speed expected
North 15-20mph for the morning, easing during the afternoon
Temperature
- At 800m Zero Celsius increasing plus 2 Celsius for the afternoon
- Valley Plus 3 Celsius increasing 9 Celsius for the afternoon
- Freezing level 800m lifting above summits from mid-morning
Low cloud and visibility
Good or very good becoming moderate or poor in rain, very poor in snow and within cloud, which will be extensive from 500m through the morning, before lifting and breaking during the afternoon.
Mountain weather information
Sat 7 Mar
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Largely dry and sunny with moderate winds, but chance of patchy light rain developing late in the day. Freezing level above summits.
Sun 8 Mar
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Cloudy with occasional rain, though most of this should be light. Fresh winds. Freezing level above summits.
Mon 9 Mar
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Scattered light showers and limited brighter spells. Light 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 Lake District covers an area of 885 square miles with its highest point, Scafell Pike, standing at 978 metres.