Mountain weather
Mourne Mountains Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for a fine, bright day on Tuesday and for increasingly breezy conditions. There is some uncertainty over the extent of rainfall on Wednesday afternoon and again at the end of the week.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
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.
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
Dry and bright with some sunshine. Breezy.
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 700m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 700m) |
10% | <05% | <05% | <05% | <05% | <05% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
W
14
|
W
18
|
SW
16
|
SW
19
|
SW
20
|
SW
24
|
| 300m |
NW
5
|
W
7
|
SW
11
|
SW
13
|
SW
10
|
W
10
|
| Valley |
W
4
|
W
7
|
SW
9
|
SW
10
|
SW
7
|
SW
8
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m | 22 | 27 | 23 | 28 | 29 | 34 |
| 300m | 12 | 15 | 17 | 22 | 19 | 21 |
| Valley | 12 | 16 | 16 | 20 | 17 | 21 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
9°
|
10°
|
12°
|
14°
|
13°
|
12°
|
| 300m |
9°
|
12°
|
14°
|
16°
|
15°
|
14°
|
| Valley |
11°
|
13°
|
16°
|
18°
|
16°
|
14°
|
| Freezing Level |
2,900m
|
2,500m
|
2,500m
|
2,600m
|
2,600m
|
2,700m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600m |
6°
|
7°
|
9°
|
10°
|
10°
|
8°
|
| 300m |
8°
|
11°
|
13°
|
14°
|
14°
|
12°
|
| Valley |
10°
|
12°
|
14°
|
16°
|
16°
|
13°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Excellent conditions in the hills. Wind gusts may be closer to 35mph on summits through evening.
Weather
Patches of hill fog and drizzle at first will lift quickly through morning leaving only high cloud and hazy sunshine, this becoming stronger through afternoon. The evening will bring a mixture of clear spells as well as some patchy low cloud developing across the west.
Chance of cloud-free mountain/hill tops at 700m
60% early and late, otherwise 100%.
Visibility
Patches of hill fog may cling to slopes above around 500m in the west through early morning and late evening, but away from these, very good visibility is expected with some far reaching views.
Mountain weather information
Weather
The main feature of the day will be southwesterly gales in the morning, easing slightly later. Otherwise, the bulk of the day with be dry with bright or sunny spells. Cloud will thicken through evening bringing some rain by late evening.
Chance of cloud-free mountain/hill tops at 700m
90%, falling 60% late evening.
Maximum wind speed expected
West 25-30mph gusting 40mph, some gust of 45mph easing later to West 25mph gusts 35mph.
Temperature
- At 700m Around plus 10 Celsius.
- Valley Plus 12 Celsius rising to 17 Celsius.
- Freezing level Well above summits.
Visibility
Very good through much of the day, perhaps becoming hazy through afternoon. Cloud will set in above 500m through late evening.
Mountain weather information
Thursday 23 September
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Westerly winds will remain blustery and bring plenty of cloud across the Mournes as well as a few spells of light rain. Poor visibility will likely be the main hazard with areas of low cloud early and late.
Friday 24 September
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A cloudy, occasionally damp day with thick and often low cloud spreading across the area on brisk westerly winds, possible gales.
Saturday 25 September
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Predominantly cloudy but with plenty of dry weather likely. Southwesterly winds continuing, breezy at times, possible gales.
Updated at:
Mountain summits
Other points of interest
Cluster of multiple stations
The Mourne Mountains are a granite mountain range in County Down in the southeast of Northern Ireland, is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and has been proposed as the first National Park in Northern Ireland.
The Mourne Mountains include the highest mountains in Northern Ireland; the highest of these is Slieve Donard standing at 850 metres at the northeastern edge of the Mournes, overlooking Newcastle and Dundrum Bay. At the summit of Slieve Donard there is a cairn and a small stone tower, which is part of the Mourne Wall, which passes over the mountain’s southern and western shoulders.
The Mourne Wall is a 35 kilometre dry stone wall that crosses fifteen summits, constructed between 1904 and 1922 by the Belfast Water Commissioners to define and enclose the catchment area for the newly constructed Silent Valley Reservoir.v