Mountain weather
Peak District Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High confidence for the mostly fine, but breezy period. Although only Moderate on strength of the strongest winds. Also Moderate for the extent of any overnight low cloud, mist or fog patches.
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.
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.
Mountain weather forecast
Early cloud clearing to fine and sunny, but windy and feeling cooler at height. Further cloud returning during the evening.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 600m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 600m) |
<05% | 00% | 00% | <05% | <05% | <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 |
E
21
|
E
25
|
E
27
|
E
27
|
E
22
|
E
19
|
| 300m |
NE
14
|
E
17
|
E
21
|
E
22
|
E
18
|
E
16
|
| Valley |
E
16
|
E
17
|
E
18
|
E
17
|
E
16
|
E
16
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m | 27 | 33 | 36 | 36 | 31 | 28 |
| 300m | 21 | 24 | 32 | 33 | 29 | 27 |
| Valley | 34 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
3°
|
5°
|
10°
|
10°
|
8°
|
6°
|
| 300m |
5°
|
8°
|
13°
|
13°
|
11°
|
8°
|
| Valley |
6°
|
9°
|
14°
|
15°
|
12°
|
8°
|
| Freezing Level |
1,500m
|
1,600m
|
1,500m
|
1,700m
|
1,800m
|
1,800m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
-3°
|
-1°
|
5°
|
6°
|
3°
|
1°
|
| 300m |
1°
|
5°
|
9°
|
9°
|
8°
|
4°
|
| Valley |
2°
|
6°
|
11°
|
11°
|
8°
|
5°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Winds could be deceptively strong at height, perhaps approaching gale force on the very highest tops, with a risk of sudden gusts on lee slopes. Otherwise, a fine day on the hills once the early cloud clears, but feeling cold in the wind. Despite the wind chill, appropriate sun protection will be needed.
Weather
Low cloud to start the morning, with misty conditions possible, although some western hills might be clear. This soon clearing after dawn, with another dry, sunny but breezy day following. Feeling warm at lower levels, especially in the sunshine, but much cooler in the strong winds over the tops. Some high cloud may spill northwards during the evening, while eastern hills could see low cloud developing again.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
40% at first, but soon improving to 100%. Falling to 80% in the evening.
Low cloud and visibility
Areas of cloud with base 400-500m at first, but soon clearing. Otherwise summits largely free of cloud, although the odd patch could return above 500m by midnight. Visibility very poor in any cloud, but otherwise good or very good for much of the day.
Recent rainfall
Location: Cat & Fiddle (Midway between Buxton and Macclesfield)
Altitude: 511m
| Last 24 hours | Last 48 hours | Last 72 hours |
|---|---|---|
| 0mm | 0mm | 0mm |
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 very similar day to Thursday, with further low cloud and perhaps the odd mist patch to start. Cloud will then clear, leaving another fine but windy day. Feeling warm in the sunshine, but with a reasonable wind chill. Eastern hills could see low cloud developing again by midnight.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
40% at first, becoming 100%. Falling to 80% during the evening.
Maximum wind speed expected
Easterly or northeasterly 25mph with gusts 30-40mph.
Temperature
- At 600m Plus 8 Celsius
- Valley Plus 6 Celsius rising to Plus 17 Celsius
- Freezing level Above summits.
Low cloud and visibility
Areas of cloud above 400-500m during the morning, but soon clearing. Otherwise summits largely free of cloud, although the odd patch could return above 500m by midnight. Visibility very poor in any cloud, but otherwise good or very good for much of the day.
Mountain weather information
Sat 5 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Cold start. Any early morning low cloud, mist and fog gradually clearing to leave another fine day with warm sunshine. Strong easterly or northeasterly winds, and cooler than Friday, so significant wind chill is likely. Freezing level lowering near or just above summits.
Sun 6 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A similar day to Saturday. Starting cold with any early cloud, mist and fog soon clearing to leave another fine, but breezy day. Moderate easterly winds potentially giving significant wind chill. Freezing level near or just above summits.
Mon 7 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Perhaps some mist or fog patches early on Monday, but then another fine and sunny day. Light winds. Freezing level rising 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.