Fell Top Conditions on Thursday 21 March

Readings from Helvellyn summit at 12:45

Temperature plus 5.7°C Maximum wind speed 13.2mph Wind chill plus 1.3°C Average wind speed 9.7mph Wind direction WSW

With the stable weather, the ground conditions have been very similar for the past 48 hours, albeit with slightly less snow as the thaw continues at all levels. There is now little snow below 800m. That which remains lies in isolated patches in sheltered spots and hollows is soft in nature and presents no obstacle to walkers. Even above 800m, large areas of the fells up to and including summit level are now free from snow especially on west facing aspects; eg on the Swirrls footpath up Helvellyn (from the Thirlmere side) it is now easy to walk to the summit without stepping on any snow. Conversely, the greatest accumulations lie above 800m on predominantly E facing slopes where, mainly above 900m, there are drifts that can still swallow a 55cm ice axe. The remaining snow was almost all soft, but, especially above 900m, there were isolated patches of harder snow which could take your weight and/or you could slip on. As the majority of the snow is at altitude, it would only take a slight drop in temperature for the snowpack to refreeze so, although this is currently not forecast, walkers heading for the high fells on Friday should be prepared to encounter hard snow and ice.

There are deepening cracks in the, albeit shrinking, cornices above E and N facing slopes. With the milder temperatures these cornices are extremely unstable so please keep well clear of such edges and advise those with less experience to do likewise.

There is now quite a contrast in the Lake District between conditions in the daffodil-filled valleys and the high fells. The summit windchill was only just above zero, so full winter clothing (waterproofs, warm layers, hat & gloves), footwear and equipment remain essential for anyone venturing out onto the fells. For those going above the snowline and attempting, or just traversing, steep and exposed slopes an ice axe remains essential and crampons must be carried in case ice or hard snow is encountered. This is especially the case for anyone attempting Swirral and Striding Edges – the exits to which remain banked out with unavoidable, steep, deep snow – some of which was hard snow today necessitating the use of crampons. This is not a place to slip without the means of stopping yourself. Owing to the depth, altitude and east facing nature of this unavoidable snow it will probably be the last snow to thaw so will present a serious hazard for a while – including over the weekend. Conversely, there are now plenty of other, snow-free options up Helvellyn for those without the correct equipment or experience.

Lake District weather forecast for Friday 22 March

Issued: 22 March at 03:34

Mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Extensive hill fog. Strong southwesterly winds.

Lake District Weather

A mostly cloudy day with patchy light rain and drizzle, mainly affecting western and southern fells. However northern and eastern fells will see some brighter, perhaps sunny spells for a time around midday. During the late afternoon a band of rain will spread southeast, the cloud and rain, perhaps briefly turning to snow on higher summits, may become quite squally for a time. Clearing through the evening to leave long clear spells by midnight.

Visibility

Good or very good falling to several kilometres in rain and drizzle and a kilometre or less in any summit snow.

Cloud Free Hill Top

Little chance through much of the day across western and southern fells with periods or persistent cloud above 450m and patches below. However chances nearer 40% for a time around midday across northern and eastern fells with cloud becoming more occasional above 750m at times. Chances improve considerably during the evening.

Friday's forecast:

Time	06:00 - 09:00	09:00 - 12:00	12:00 - 15:00	15:00 - 18:00	18:00 - 21:00	21:00 - 24:00
Chance of precipitation	40%	40%	20%	40%	60%	20%
At Valley
Temp	8	7	8	8	8	7
Wind (mph)	9	12	13	12	6	6
Max gusts (mph)	27	32	35	34	19	21
Wind direction	S	SW	SW	SW	W	W
At 300m
Temp	6	6	6	6	6	5
Wind (mph)	13	15	16	14	8	8
Max gusts (mph)	34	39	38	35	23	25
Wind direction	S	SW	SW	SW	W	W
At 600m
Temp	5	5	5	5	4	3
Wind (mph)	33	38	38	33	21	22
Max gusts (mph)	42	48	49	43	27	31
Wind direction	SW	SW	SW	SW	W	W
At 900m
Temp	4	3	3	3	2	1
Wind (mph)	40	41	45	45	27	30
Max gusts (mph)	47	50	55	55	33	36
Wind direction	SW	SW	SW	SW	W	W

Daylight

Time in Glenridding:

Provided by time.is

An overview to the 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.

Winter is actually a beautiful time of year to enjoy the spectacular views.

It’s important to stay safe during the Winter period, especially if you are considering exploring the fells. If you’re a fan of the Lake District in Winter, why not register on one of our Winter Skills Courses? Learn more