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Mountain forecast guide
Mountains can be inhospitable and dangerous places for the ill prepared. From one hour to the next, from one hill to the next, they can exhibit a dramatic variation in weather conditions. Whether it's a well-planned expedition or a spur of the moment decision to go to the hills, it is important to check the forecast.
We provide mountain forecasts for a selection of the main mountain areas and those which have the highest visitor figures. Forecasts are issued twice per day and cover daylight hours. This content is designed for walkers, mountaineers and others taking part in outdoor activities in mountainous areas.
- How mountain forecasts are displayed on our web site
- Learn more about our mountain forecasts
- Additional information
Mountain forecasts on our website
All mountain forecast information is gathered together on the Mountain forecast page. Tabs across the top highlight the two formats of information which are available:
- Map - which gives a quick overview
- Text forecast - which gives the main detail
Map view
The map view highlights the areas for which mountain forecasts are available. Each region is coloured depending on the highest hazard likelihood for that area. More about hazards and colours
Click on one of the regions on the map to display a quick summary for that area. This includes an overview text, a summary of hazards with colours and a breakdown of weather and precipitation probability throughout the daylight hours. The colour for each hazard is determined by the level of risk of it occurring. As well as the overview you should also view the detailed text forecast by clicking on the 'Text forecast' tab.
The map view also provides a surface pressure chart with isobars and fronts. To view the surface pressure chart for a particular time, click on the appropriate section of the timeline below the map. Note that the time bar only controls the surface pressure chart not the mountain forecast. View a key to pressure charts..
Text forecast
The section displays the more detailed forecast content for your chosen area, including summit level winds and temperatures.
Use the date selectors on the right hand side to view the forecast for the next few days. A detailed forecast is available for the following day and a brief outlook beyond that.
You can also swap to another mountain area by using the navigation tabs above the forecast.
Learn about our Mountain Area Forecasts
The content in this section is designed specially to meet the requirements of these specialist users and was designed using their input. The mountain forecasts are designed to be easy to use and understand, however, the following information may help you to interpret the forecasts.
Availability
We provide mountain forecasts for a selection of the main mountain areas and those which have the highest visitor figures.:
- Scottish West Highlands
Covering the areas of Trossachs, Argyll, Lochaber, the north-west Highlands and Skye. - Scottish East Highlands
Covering the areas of the Grampian Mountains east of Rannoch Moor and including the Cairngorms. - Lake District National Park
- Yorkshire Dales National Park
- Peak District National Park
- Snowdonia National Park
- Brecon Beacons National Park
Hazard criteria
The mountain forecast hazard section covers a range of hazards likely to affect those outdoors in mountainous areas. The colour for each hazard is determined by the level of risk of it occurring.
The following tables details these hazards along with criteria for issue and the likely impacts you may experience.
Hazard | Criteria | Impact |
Blizzards | Moderate or heavy dry falling snow (either continuous or in the form of frequent showers) with winds speeds of 30 mph or more and a reasonably extensive snow cover. | Near zero visibility and total disorientation likely. |
Heavy snow | Heavy snow falling during the day with over 15 cm (6 inches) of average depth of fresh snow expected. | Significantly reduced visibility, potential danger with losing footing if paths are obscured. Navigation more difficult. Progress likely to be affected to a considerable degree. Marked increased risk of white-out conditions. Marked increased risk of hypothermia if snow is wet |
Storm force winds | Winds with consistent gusts above 70 mph. | Risk of losing one's footing in gusts. Danger increased on exposed ridges. NB When gusts of over 90 mph expected, winds will be 'Hurricane force' with likelihood of being blown over. |
Gales | Winds with consistent gusts above 50 mph. | Considerable buffeting. |
Persistent and extensive hill fog | Cloud bases at or below 600 metres (500 metres for Peak District) for two hours or more. Please note that on some high level plateaux, especially the Cairngorms, as well as on Ben Nevis, considerably higher cloud bases can be as hazardous. | Significantly reduced visibility resulting in major navigation difficulties, especially where there is extensive snow cover with the risk of white-out conditions. White-out conditions are defined as when one's field of view becomes totally featureless due to a combination of mist or fog and deep snow cover, with or without falling snow. |
Thunderstorms | Lightning strikes. | Lightning strikes are likely to cause danger, especially on exposed tops and ridges |
Severe chill effect | When cooling is greatly increased by strong winds, normally exceeding 35 mph. mean wind speed. If driving rain or sleet is also forecast winds may be lower than 35 mph. Please note that other factors such as mist, sunshine, precipitation and snow cover will either mitigate or enhance cooling. | Considerable risk of hypothermia and frostbite, unless adequately equipped and protected. NB: Even though winds in valleys or glens may be light, sudden and very marked increases can occur at higher levels. |
Heavy persistent rain | Persistent, heavy, rain (or sleet), lasting at least 3 hours, or over 40 mm expected in 24 hours, starting from dusk of the previous day. | Risk of major discomfort unless adequately equipped and protected. Reduced visibility possible. Watercourses likely to become rapidly in spate and marked increased risk of very boggy terrain. Marked increased risk of hypothermia, especially if combined with strong winds, unless adequately protected. |
Strong Sunlight | Exposure to moderate or high levels of UV During snow conditions, significant glare off the snow pack. Please note: The Strong Sunlight hazard used in the Mountain Area Forecasts is based on both the UV level corrected for altitude and weather conditions in each mountain area. In winter, where there is extensive snow cover and strong sunlight, this also takes into account the risk of glare off the snow pack. For this reason, the UV index on the Mountain Area Forecasts may differ from those on our standard forecasts. | Risk of sunburn - seek shade during midday hours, cover up and wear high protection factor sun screen. High levels of reflected light which may be unpleasant and potentially lead to snow blindness - wear appropriate eye protection. |
Guide to forecast content
The table below highlights the different sections of the mountain forecast and provides additional supporting information.
Weather Element | Description |
Overview | A brief summary of conditions over the area in question (including all the Scottish Highlands for the Scottish areas, and all of Wales for the Welsh areas). As suggested, this is a summary and should be used in conjunction with the other parts of the Mountain forecast in order to understand the expected weather. |
Hazards | The level of risk of several hazards is provided. This is assessed as either Nil, Low, Medium or High and shown using a traffic light system. Where a risk is identified, additional information is provided. These are described for Day 1 of the forecast only. For detail on the criteria and impacts of the various hazards see the mountain hazards key. |
Weather Summary and Probability of Precipitation | A weather symbol is provided to give a summary of the weather conditions for each three hour period. This gives an indication ofthe most likely conditions across the majority of the area. You should remember that this symbol will not be representative of the conditions at every location in the area and at all times through the period. This should be used in conjunction with the other parts of the Mountain forecast in order to understand the expected weather. The Probability of Precipitation section indicates the percentage likelihood of precipitation falling in the area during the period. This could be in the form of rain, drizzle, sleet, snow etc. More detail will be contained in the detailed forecast section. |
Weather | The forecasts are for all levels, but will emphasise weather above 600 metres for the Scottish areas, 500 metres for the Lake District and Snowdonia, and 400 metres for the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Brecon Beacons. Please note that if precipitation, especially heavy snow, is forecast, the visibility will be markedly reduced. |
Visibility | Also known as Clarity of Air, this can be classified in the following ways: i. Very Hazy - less than 10 km ii. Hazy - less than 30 km iii. Good - between 30 and 60 km iv. Excellent - over 60 km |
Hill fog | Indicates whether low cloud will cover the ground within a region and is classified in the following ways: i. Persistent - covering ground over 90% of the time ii. Periods - between 50 and 90% of the time iii. Occasional - between 20 and 50% of the time iv. Occasional Patches - less than 20% of the time |
Maximum winds | Winds speeds cited are the highest expected, these normally occurring on exposed peaks or ridges, though it should be noted that winds in mountains are very turbulent. Any changes during the course of the day will be emphasised, as will any differences in speeds over the forecast area. |
Temperatures and Freezing Level | Freezing Level is defined as the level above which snow is expected to settle, or the level above which the ground is expected to be frozen. Account is not taken of melting of surfaces in direct sunshine during the day. In most situations, except in mid-winter, this is to be expected during the middle part of the day. In late spring or early summer it is common to find the snow cover frozen, even when other surfaces are not. Please note that the freezing level may not appear to tie in with the temperature at 900 metres. |
Warnings | When severe weather warnings have been issued for the area this will be indicated at the bottom of the forecast. |
Outlook | A brief text summary for days three to five. |
Ground Conditions | Currently ground conditions are only available for a limited number of areas where we are able to guarantee reliable information from authoritative partners. This information is generally only available during the winter season, but may be available at other times of year during severe weather: Lake District - October to April |
Additional information
The mountains can be a dangerous place throughout the year. The Met Office, in conjunction with the Welsh Assembly Government, British Mountaineering Council, Mountain Leader Training and Sports Wales, have produced a series of short videos on the skills you will need throughout the year and how to stay safe on the mountains.
You can also access our mountain forecasts while you are out and about via your mobile phone.
