Fell Top Conditions on Thursday 28 March
Readings from Helvellyn summit at 12:20
Temperature minus 1.2°C Maximum wind speed 26.5mph Wind chill minus 9.8°C Average wind speed 14.0mph Wind direction S
Fresh snow fell overnight and this morning adding to that which fell on Wednesday. There is little snow below 700m with the main level being around 750m. Its average depth at 900m is approx 4cm; however actual cover varies from nothing at all on windswept areas, such as parts of the summit plateau, to drifts up to 30cm (although such depth is the exception). The greatest accumulations are in sheltered spots and hollows and on steep north facing aspects. The fresh snow is soft but was very close to freezing on the summit; conversely it was slowly thawing on south facing aspects catching the sun and below 800m. Once again, at the time of writing, further showers are forecast overnight which could fall as snow at altitude, so walkers heading for the highest peaks on Good Friday should expect, and be prepared to encounter, more snow than experienced and described here. In addition, it would only take a marginal drop in temperature for ice to form so, although little was seen today, walkers heading above the snowline on Friday should expect and be prepared to encounter some hard snow and ice.
The main hazards encountered today were the slippery nature of the wet and soft snow covered ground especially when traversing rocks or pitched paths particularly in descent. The gusty nature of the wind necessitated concentration especially when on steep and exposed ground. Conversely, below the snowline some paths and rocks were dry.
The strength of the wind at altitude combined with the temperature gradient (difference in temperature as one climbs) resulted in a marked contrast between the warmth of the valleys and the summit windchill (what the temperature actually feels like) which was a chilly minus 10 degrees C just after midday. Thus full winter clothing (waterproofs – which double as windproofs - extra warm layers, hat & gloves), mountain boots and equipment, including a torch, are all essential to safely, and enjoyably, roam the fells. Before it lifted, visibility was poor at times in the cloud at altitude, so a map and compass together with the ability to use them and navigate competently when landmarks can’t be seen is also essential. As mentioned, there is a possibility of encountering ice underfoot at altitude tomorrow, so those heading for the highest fells on Good Friday, should consider adding microspikes and walking poles to their rucksacks. On an optimistic note, hopefully sunglasses will also be required to lessen the glare from the snow covered ground. Anyone attempting or traversing steep and exposed routes above the snowline, such as the Helvellyn Edges, are strongly recommended to carry an ice axe and crampons or at least microspikes. The fact that these tools were not essential today is irrelevant owing to the distinct possibility of there being more snow and ice on Friday compared with today. Come properly equipped and enjoy, what may well be, the last throws of winter!!
Today was my 778th ascent of Helvellyn for the National Park and my last as a Fell Top Assessor. It has been an honour to have had this job for the past 16 years. Thank you so much to everyone for your kind words both written and also given in person. The ground conditions’ reports continue for this season until, and including, Bank Holiday Monday. In the meanwhile, may I wish you all many memorable, enjoyable and safe excursions into our wonderful fells and I look forward to hopefully meeting you out there! Kind Regards Jon
Lake District weather forecast for Friday 29 March
See today's weather conditions on live Lake District webcams
Issued: 28 March at 17:57
Showers developing, some heavy in the afternoon and wintry on the tops. Cold and breezy at height.
Lake District Weather
Rain and summit snow clearing overnight. A dry and bright start but cloud increasing through the morning with showers breaking out, falling as sleet or snow above 700m. Some showers in the afternoon could be heavy with hail and a small chance of lightning. Becoming dry with clear spells in the evening.
Visibility
Patchy cloud and fog mainly above 700m but locally down to 400m in showers. Outside of low cloud, visibility mainly good, reducing to a few km or less in showers.
Chance of Cloud Free Hill Top
40%. Cloud will come and go from the summits at times.
Friday's forecast:
Time | 00:00 - 03:00 | 03:00 - 06:00 | 06:00 - 09:00 | 09:00 - 12:00 | 12:00 - 15:00 | 15:00 - 18:00 |
Chance of precipitation | 90% | 70% | 30% | 30% | 50% | 60% |
At Valley | ||||||
Temp | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
Wind (mph) | 3 | 12 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 10 |
Max gusts (mph) | 8 | 26 | 18 | 20 | 24 | 20 |
Wind direction | SW | SW | SW | S | S | S |
At 300m | ||||||
Temp | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Wind (mph) | 5 | 10 | 7 | 8 | 12 | 10 |
Max gusts (mph) | 11 | 26 | 20 | 21 | 27 | 24 |
Wind direction | SW | SW | SW | S | S | S |
At 600m | ||||||
Temp | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Wind (mph) | 10 | 24 | 19 | 18 | 22 | 21 |
Max gusts (mph) | 15 | 32 | 25 | 25 | 32 | 29 |
Wind direction | SW | SW | SW | S | S | S |
At 900m | ||||||
Temp | 0 | -0 | -1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Wind (mph) | 12 | 28 | 23 | 21 | 25 | 23 |
Max gusts (mph) | 16 | 36 | 29 | 28 | 34 | 32 |
Wind direction | SW | SW | SW | S | S | S |
Daylight
Provided by time.isLake District Forecast for Saturday
Clear spells and patchy mist overnight. This will clear during then morning then a few showers developing, wintry above 800m. Becoming dry with lengthening spells of sunshine in the afternoon then a dry, clear evening.
Visibility
Areas of low cloud and fog above 500m at first, mainly over southern fells, gradually lifting. Otherwise mostly good visibility with patchy summit fog in showers.
Chance of cloud free hill
30% at first then becoming 80%.
Wind
Southerly 20mph gusts 30mph.
Temperatures
- Valley: Plus 5C rising to 11C.
- At 800m: Plus 2C rising to 4C.
- Freezing level: 900m, rising above summits in afternoon.
Outlook for next few days
Sunday 31 March
Dry with bright spells but still feeling rather chilly on the tops. Light southeasterly winds. Freezing level above summits.
Monday 01 April
Dry with bright or sunny spells and light easterly winds. Feeling cold on the tops with freezing level 800 or 900m.
Tuesday 02 April
Mainly dry but showers may develop through the afternoon. Freezing level 800m, rising above summits. Light southerly winds.
An overview of weather in the Lake District
Summer:
The summer season in the Lake District actually runs from March to October. The driest period runs between March and June.
The weather is renowned for changing rapidly and rainfall is a predominant feature. The wettest area in the Lake District is known as Sprinkling Tarn which receives approximately 5000mm of rainfall every year!
Winter:
The wettest months run from October to January.
Snowfall typically falls from November to March. The valleys of the Lake District receive around 20 days of snow and 200 days of rain per year.