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Mountain weather

Lake District

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Lake District Mountain weather forecast table

Confidence

High for damp conditions on Monday in places. High for mainly dry and very warm conditions for the rest of the week, however some thundery showers may develop from Wednesday but low confidence for detail.

This evening forecast

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Increasingly windy with extensive low cloud, heavy rain spreading east later.

Sunrise:
Sunset:
Mountain hazards

Mountain weather hazards

Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.

hazard 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.

hazard 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.
hazard 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.

hazard Heavy persistent rain
Heavy and persistent rain can lead to drenched clothing and footwear with waterproofs often becoming soaked through, especially if accompanied by strong winds. This can lead to significant loss of body heat and an increased likelihood of hypothermia. Terrain may turn increasingly boggy underfoot while streams can flood and become impassable. There may also be a risk of flooding in valleys or glens. If there is snow cover, a heightened avalanche hazard is possible and avalanche reports should be consulted where available.
Mountain hazards explained

Mountain weather forecast

Cloudy morning, brighter in the north in the afternoon. Windy at height.

Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level

Altitude above mean sea level

Altitude above mean sea level

Additional weather information

Weather

The hours of darkness will see some heavy rain. A damp and cloudy start to Monday, watercourses may be in flood following overnight downpours. Staying cloudy for the rest of the morning, some drizzly rain over western upslopes. Brightening up across northern fells in the afternoon, staying overcast elsewhere. Low cloud becoming more extensive again after sunset.

Chance of cloud-free mountain/hill tops at 800m

40%. Extensive cloud between 500 and 700 metres, widepsread in the morning. Cloud may break across the eastern fells towards Shap early afternoon, and more widely across the northern fells through the rest of the afternoon.

Ground conditions

No recent ground conditions report available.

Visibility

Rather hazy under cloud cover, becoming good in the north later.

Meteorologist's view

Be prepared for damp conditions underfoot. Feeling very warm and humid, notably so where the sun breaks through where there is a hight risk of sunburn and dehydration. Strong winds at height.

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Mountain weather information

Weather

A misty start with a fair amount of low cloud. Cloud will burn off by the end of the morning to leave a dry, sunny and hot afternoon. Feeling humid, risk of sunburn and dehydration.

Chance of cloud-free mountain/hill tops at 800m

80%, low cloud around 500 metres in the morning otherwise clear by afternoon and evening.

Maximum wind speed expected

South or southeasterly 25 mph, gusting to 45 mph towards dusk

Temperature

  • At 800m Plus 10 rising to 19 Celsius
  • Valley Plus 13 rising to 27 Celsius
  • Freezing level Above summits

Visibility

Generally good but air clarity rather hazy.

Mountain weather information

Wednesday 24 July

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Often dry with some very warm sunshine, chance of a few thunderstorms passing through during the day. Low confidence for detail

Thursday 25 July

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Staying very warm with some hazy sunshine, still a risk of some thunderstorms.

Friday 26 July

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Mainly dry with some sunshine, becoming fresher and a little cooler, but still quite warm.

Updated at:
Mountain weather explained

Summit specific forecast

Mountain summit forecast map

The Lake District covers an area of 885 square miles with its highest point, Scafell Pike, standing at 978 metres.

Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. From its summit, the view spans from the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland to Snowdonia in Wales. The Lake District also contains the deepest and longest lakes in England; Wastwater and Windermere.

Much smaller than its Scottish counterparts, but no less breathtaking, is the Lake District National Park. While unarguably most famous for the lakes and waters from which it took its name, the National Park certainly has plenty to offer climbers as well. Not only that, special routes have been created (known as Miles Without Stiles) to offer more laid back, moderate walks.

Those looking for a challenge are suitably catered for with the Lakeland Fells, as made famous by rambler and cartographer Alfred Wainwright. These include some of the highest peaks in England: Scafell Pike (978 metres), Scafell (965 metres), Helvellyn (951 metres) and Skiddaw (931 metres).

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