Mountain weather
Lake District Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for the rather showery weather over the next few days with fairly light winds, lower for shower and cloud detail, and for the general weather on Monday and Tuesday.
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.
Mountain weather forecast
A sunny start then turning cloudier with the odd shower. Light winds.
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
<05% | 10% | 30% | 30% | 30% | 20% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
E
4
|
SE
4
|
SW
6
|
W
7
|
SE
9
|
SE
16
|
| 600m |
E
5
|
SE
4
|
SW
7
|
S
6
|
SE
7
|
SE
15
|
| 300m |
NE
3
|
SE
3
|
SW
5
|
S
4
|
SE
3
|
SE
6
|
| Valley |
NE
5
|
S
4
|
W
6
|
W
3
|
S
3
|
E
6
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 21 |
| 600m | 6 | 7 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 22 |
| 300m | 4 | 6 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| Valley | 6 | 6 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 14 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
4°
|
4°
|
5°
|
5°
|
5°
|
4°
|
| 600m |
4°
|
6°
|
7°
|
7°
|
8°
|
6°
|
| 300m |
7°
|
9°
|
9°
|
10°
|
10°
|
8°
|
| Valley |
9°
|
11°
|
11°
|
12°
|
12°
|
10°
|
| Freezing Level |
1,400m
|
1,400m
|
1,400m
|
1,400m
|
1,400m
|
1,500m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
2°
|
2°
|
2°
|
2°
|
2°
|
0°
|
| 600m |
3°
|
5°
|
5°
|
6°
|
6°
|
2°
|
| 300m |
6°
|
9°
|
8°
|
10°
|
10°
|
7°
|
| Valley |
8°
|
10°
|
10°
|
11°
|
12°
|
9°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Nothing extra
Weather
Dry overnight with clear skies for most but some patchy cloud forming over some of the eastern fells. This lifting in the morning with most areas having a sunny start to the day. Cloud will then develop during the morning, with one or two showers then forming in the afternoon and evening, though still with a good deal of dry weather around.
Chance of cloud-free mountain/hill tops at 800m
70% early morning and again later evening with some tops in cloud, but more than 90% during the main part of the day.
Visibility
Away from cloud, generally very good, with only slight reductions in showers. Cloud: patchy at 600m or above in east at first and then more generally above 750m later in evening, otherwise above tops.
Ground conditions
No recent ground conditions report available.
Mountain weather information
Weather
A cloudy day with occasional showery rain, with a few heavy bursts. Some drier spells too.
Chance of cloud-free mountain/hill tops at 800m
30%
Maximum wind speed expected
Southeast 15 gusts 25mph.
Temperature
- At 800m Plus 4 Celsius
- Valley Plus 12 Celsius
- Freezing level Above the summits.
Visibility
Moderate or good, but poor in heavier showers. Very poor in hill fog due to cloud which will range from 500m to 900m.
Mountain weather information
Sunday 16 May
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A dry bright start then some heavy showers breaking out by the afternoon, dying out in the evening. Perhaps isolated lightning. Mostly light winds.
Monday 17 May
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Low confidence. The bright, but showery conditions will continue but there is a chance that it will be more generally overcast with some more persistent rain, with fresh westerly winds.
Tuesday 18 May
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Staying showery with fresh westerly winds, perhaps wintry on the highest tops.
Updated at:
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.
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).