Fell Top Conditions on Wednesday 27 March
Readings from Helvellyn summit at 11:40
Temperature plus 0.5°C Maximum wind speed 39.4mph Wind chill minus 9.1°C Average wind speed 26.5mph Wind direction SSW
A fresh covering of snow has settled above 700m. Its average depth at 900m is only approx 2cm with drifts up to 15cm and nothing at all on windswept areas. The greatest accumulations are in sheltered spots and hollows and especially on steep north facing aspects. The fresh snow is soft and wet and already thawing at almost all levels but especially below 800m. It was, however, raining in the valley as the assessor left the hill with, at the time of writing, further showers forecast this evening, overnight and Thursday morning which could fall as snow at altitude so walkers heading for the highest peaks on Thursday should expect and be prepared to encounter more snow than experienced and described here. In addition, temperatures are forecast to drop so, with a summit temperature around midday of only 0.5 degrees C this means a strong likelihood of walkers heading above the snowline on Thursday encountering some hard snow and ice.
Conversely, no ice was present today with the main hazards being the strength and very gusty nature of the wind and the slippery nature of the wet and soft snow covered ground especially when traversing rocks or pitched paths particularly in descent. Several walkers were sensibly turning back before the summit owing to these factors.
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 9 degrees C around 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. 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 at altitude tomorrow, so for those heading for the highest fells on Thursday, microspikes and walking poles would be a sensible addition to your rucksack as would, being optimistic, sunglasses to lessen the glare from the snow. 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 required today is irrelevant owing to the distinct possibility of there being more snow and ice on Thursday compared with today. Come properly equipped and enjoy, what may well be, the last throws of winter this season!!
Lake District weather forecast for Thursday 28 March
See today's weather conditions on live Lake District webcams
Issued: 28 March at 05:31
Cloudy with showers or longer periods of rain and summit snow. Strong to gale summit winds easing a little from midday. Freezing level lifted a little by afternoon.
Lake District Weather
Rather cloudy through the day with showers or longer periods of rain with snow above 400m, turning heavy at times bringing the risk of hail and thunder. Snow level lifting 700-800m from late morning. Best chance of limited brighter spells developing for a time early afternoon.
Visibility
Becoming moderate or poor in rain, very poor in snow and within cloud with bases quite frequently down to 600m.
Chance of Cloud Free Hill Top
20% becoming 50% for a time around early afternoon.
Thursday'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 | 50% | 50% | 50% | 40% | 40% | 30% |
At Valley | ||||||
Temp | 6 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
Wind (mph) | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
Max gusts (mph) | 35 | 29 | 23 | 22 | 25 | 18 |
Wind direction | E | SE | SE | SE | E | E |
At 300m | ||||||
Temp | 4 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
Wind (mph) | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 |
Max gusts (mph) | 39 | 34 | 27 | 25 | 26 | 17 |
Wind direction | E | SE | SE | SE | E | E |
At 600m | ||||||
Temp | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
Wind (mph) | 35 | 31 | 25 | 22 | 24 | 15 |
Max gusts (mph) | 46 | 40 | 34 | 30 | 33 | 21 |
Wind direction | E | SE | SE | SE | E | E |
At 900m | ||||||
Temp | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Wind (mph) | 47 | 38 | 28 | 26 | 30 | 21 |
Max gusts (mph) | 55 | 45 | 36 | 34 | 38 | 26 |
Wind direction | E | SE | SE | SE | E | E |
Daylight
Provided by time.isLake District Forecast for Friday
Cloudy around dawn with some patchy light rain and summit snow. Clearing to brighter spells and showers from mid-morning with outbreaks building into the afternoon, bringing a risk of hail and thunder. Snow level around 900m.
Visibility
Good or very good becoming moderate or poor in rain, very poor snow and within cloud with bases occasionally down to 600m.
Chance of cloud free hill
30% around dawn, then from mid-morning 60% for any given time but very low for extended clear periods.
Wind
South 20-25mph with gusts reaching 40mph across most exposed ridges and summits
Temperatures
- Valley: Plus 2 Celsius increasing 13 Celsius during the afternoon
- At 800m: Plus 2 Celsius
- Freezing level: Above summits
Outlook for next few days
Saturday 30 March
Sunshine and some scattered showers, mostly light but some sharper ones developing for the afternoon. Southerly summit breezes easing light later. Freezing level above all summits.
Sunday 31 March
Dry, sunny start. Cloud building from mid-day with increasing chance of rain later. Light winds. Freezing level above all summits.
Monday 01 April
Overcast with occasional rain, though most of this light. Freezing level above all summits. Winds light
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.