Mountain weather
Lake District Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for rather unsettled through the next few days with outbreaks of rain and for plenty of fine weather early next week, but lower for details with regard to clearance of cloud and rain on Saturday.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
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.
Thunderstorms
Lightning is a significant mountain hazard which can result in serious injury or death. Mountain terrain often leaves one highly exposed to lightning strikes. Hail may give unpleasant conditions with torrential rain and localised flash flooding also possible, mainly in Summer months.
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
Bright start then rather cloudy with a few sharp showers. Lighter winds at all levels.
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
20% | 20% | 20% | 40% | 40% | 40% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
E
14
|
E
16
|
E
10
|
W
6
|
SW
7
|
SW
6
|
| 600m |
NE
8
|
E
6
|
E
6
|
W
5
|
SW
6
|
W
5
|
| 300m |
N
1
|
NE
1
|
E
2
|
NE
2
|
S
2
|
W
1
|
| Valley |
NE
2
|
W
2
|
W
2
|
SW
4
|
SW
3
|
SW
2
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m | 16 | 19 | 13 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| 600m | 11 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 7 |
| 300m | 10 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 5 |
| Valley | 8 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
10°
|
9°
|
10°
|
10°
|
8°
|
8°
|
| 600m |
10°
|
10°
|
11°
|
11°
|
9°
|
9°
|
| 300m |
10°
|
12°
|
13°
|
13°
|
11°
|
10°
|
| Valley |
12°
|
12°
|
13°
|
13°
|
11°
|
10°
|
| Freezing Level |
2,500m
|
2,600m
|
2,500m
|
2,600m
|
2,600m
|
2,500m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 900m |
7°
|
6°
|
7°
|
8°
|
7°
|
6°
|
| 600m |
8°
|
9°
|
10°
|
10°
|
8°
|
8°
|
| 300m |
10°
|
12°
|
13°
|
13°
|
10°
|
10°
|
| Valley |
12°
|
12°
|
13°
|
12°
|
11°
|
10°
|
Additional weather information
Meteorologist's view
Gusts around 45mph over ridges and summits through the early hours.
Weather
Then a bright start but cloud increasing this morning with some passing showers, a few on the heavy side with a small risk of thunderstorms. More persistent rain will edge in this evening.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
Around 75% at first but soon falling close to zero across southern and central fells but nearer 40% in the north.
Low cloud and visibility
Occasional cloud above 600-750m at first, soon becoming periods or persistent above 450-600m, the cloud more occasional at times above 600-750m in the north. Away from cloud visibility very good falling to several kilometres in heavier rain.
Ground conditions
No recent ground conditions report available.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Rather cloudy with showers or longer outbreaks of rain, but some brighter spells possible, especially in the north and east. Becoming drier and brighter with some sunny spells later in the afternoon.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
Little chance across southern and western fells but nearer 40% in north, improving to 75% through the late afternoon.
Maximum wind speed expected
Southerly or southwesterly 10-15mph, backing more southeasterly in the evening.
Temperature
- At 800m Around plus 6 Celsius
- Valley Plus 9 or 10 Celsius overnight rising to 15 or 16 Celsius by day
- Freezing level Well above the summits
Low cloud and visibility
Periods or persistent cloud above 450-600m, but cloud more occasional at times above 600-750m in the north and east, cloud breaking though the later afternoon to become occasional above 600-750m. Away from cloud, visibility good falling to several kilometres at times in rain, becoming very good later
Mountain weather information
Sun 5 May
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Mainly dry with some good spells of sunshine developing. Occasionally fresh easterly breeze. Freezing level well above the summits.
Mon 6 May
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A few showers around but for most another dry day with some good spells of sunshine. Mainly light winds. Freezing levels remaining well above the summits.
Tue 7 May
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Sunny spells and showers. Light and variable winds. Freezing level well above the summits.
Updated at:
Summit specific forecast
Mountain summit forecast map
Loading map…
Key
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.