Lake District
The entire Lake District National Park, taking in all major summits, including Scafell, Helvellyn, Skiddaw, the Langdales and Old Man of Coniston.
Sunday's Forecast
Severe gale or storm, mobility very difficult
Severe conditions on the mountains, any movement very challenging, you may be blown over. 55-70mph+
Heavy snow
Continuous or almost constant heavy snowfall, large flakes falling to low elevations. Beware of near-zero visibility from falling or blowing snow, risk of blizzard conditions.
Whiteout
Fog and lying snow over the mountains, possibly with falling or blowing snow, very disorientating. Map and compass essential, beware of unseen hazards such as cornices.
Cold
Air temperatures near or below freezing on high tops; if exposed to brisk winds significant chill factor on high mountains. Carry suitable clothing.
Winter kit required on higher mountains
Snow cover over higher mountain terrain. Safe progress around some tops and ridges will require suitable footwear - possibly crampons and ice-axe where necessary.
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Severe gale or storm, mobility very difficult
Severe conditions on the mountains, any movement very challenging, you may be blown over. 55-70mph+
Heavy snow
Continuous or almost constant heavy snowfall, large flakes falling to low elevations. Beware of near-zero visibility from falling or blowing snow, risk of blizzard conditions.
Whiteout
Fog and lying snow over the mountains, possibly with falling or blowing snow, very disorientating. Map and compass essential, beware of unseen hazards such as cornices.
Cold
Air temperatures near or below freezing on high tops; if exposed to brisk winds significant chill factor on high mountains. Carry suitable clothing.
Winter kit required on higher mountains
Snow cover over higher mountain terrain. Safe progress around some tops and ridges will require suitable footwear - possibly crampons and ice-axe where necessary.
Viewing Forecast For
Lake District
Sunday 22nd December 2024
Last updated
Sat 21st Dec 24 at
12:03PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Very severe conditions due to widespread storm force northwesterly winds across the mountains. Frequent snow showers will come in off the sea, extending well inland and in some areas merging to give almost constant snow and whiteout for a few hours.
Headline for Lake District
Storm force upland wind. Frequent snow showers easing; chance thunder.
How windy? (On the summits)
Northwesterly 55 to 70mph; particularly gusty near precipitation.
Effect of the wind on you?
Arduous walking on lower slopes, whilst higher up severe wind chill and any mobility challenging, particularly near precipitation.
How Wet?
Frequent hail and snow; risk whiteout
Snow and hail showers, or sometimes almost constant precipitation, mostly rain valleys and lower slopes. Small risk thunder. Will ease to only flurries afternoon.
Cloud on the hills?
Very extensive. Cloud base varying, may temporarily clear higher tops.
Near precipitation cloud sometimes below 400m particularly west Cumbria, but breaks to 750m, perhaps later fleeting breaks to higher tops.
Chance of cloud free summits?
10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sunshine, mainly afternoon. Very varied visibility, sometimes excellent, but appalling or perhaps near zero in snow/blowing snow.
How Cold? (at 750m)
-1C, slight rise through day. Will feel as cold as minus 17C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
600m; will rise marginally through daylight.
Viewing Forecast For
Lake District
Monday 23rd December 2024
Last updated
Sat 21st Dec 24 at
12:03PM
How windy? (On the summits)
Northwest backing westerly; 30mph at dawn, then a lull to around 25mph. Will strengthen to 35mph through afternoon.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mostly fairly small; but anticipate through afternoon the onset of considerable wind chill and more strenuous walking.
How Wet?
Rain spreading inland, probably afternoon
The odd snow shower morning. Occasional rain, or possibly temporarily snow or refrozen rain above 600m, spreading inland afternoon, perhaps very little until almost dusk.
Cloud on the hills?
Deteriorating as cloud later envelops lower slopes
Cloud lifting off most summits for a few hours, although patches above about 750m. Into afternoon anticipate deterioration in rain: cloud filling in across the fells.
Chance of cloud free summits?
50% later dropping from west to 10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Little or no sunshine as cloud thickens from west. Visibility excellent; later poor in rain.
How Cold? (at 750m)
0C, perhaps 3C before dusk. Will feel as cold as minus 8C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
700m; lifting above the summits from west toward or after dark.
Viewing Forecast For
Lake District
Tuesday 24th December 2024
Last updated
Sat 21st Dec 24 at
12:03PM
How windy? (On the summits)
Southwest to westerly 30 to on some areas 35 or 40mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Walking strenuous and wind chill significant; sudden gusts reaching some lower slopes and valleys.
How Wet?
Raining most of the day
Raining almost constantly western mountains, although on more eastern fells the rain occasional and total rainfall small.
Cloud on the hills?
Blanket of cloud across even most lower slopes.
Cloud base widely below 200 or 300m western fells and across south lakes. Elsewhere, the cloud a little higher, but rarely above 600m.
Chance of cloud free summits?
Almost nil
Sunshine and air clarity?
Sunshine rarely coming through some valleys. Widely poor visibility.
How Cold? (at 750m)
8C. Will feel as cold as minus 5C where exposed to the wind
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Planning Outlook
A change in the weather pattern from Tuesday as high pressure progressively envelops Wales and England. Here (and also in S Scotland), extensively dry and the and progressively dropping, initially across Wales. Mild - although frost in valleys some nights. Still windy Scottish Highlands, here very mild with lying snow substantially melting. Rain frequent NW Highlands, and less so W Highlands. Further east little or no rain.