Fell Top Conditions on Friday 24 January
Readings from Helvellyn summit at 12:15
Temperature plus 2.0°C Maximum wind speed 17.5mph Wind chill minus 4.8°C Average wind speed 15.4mph Wind direction WSW
The thaw at all levels continues; albeit at a slower pace for the simple reason that there is little snow left to thaw! The vast majority of the Lakeland Fells are now clear of snow. The remaining patches are located above 900m in sheltered spots and on north and east facing aspects. Thus Lakeland paths are now clear of unavoidable snow with the possible only exception being at the very top of Striding Edge which, picking your route with care, only has about 2 easy angled steps of compacted snow to cross. Swirral Edge can be climbed either without setting foot on snow or, if you keep to the path, by taking about 3 steps on, again, compacted snow.
Despite the mild valley temperatures, the summit temperature was only plus 2 degrees and the windchill below freezing, so full winter clothing (waterproofs, warm layers, hat & gloves), footwear and equipment remain essential for anyone venturing out onto the fells.
Lake District weather forecast for Sunday 26 January
See today's weather conditions on live Lake District webcams
Issued: 25 January at 17:52
Rain and summit snow clearing in afternoon. Southerly gales easing.
Lake District Weather
Cloudy but mainly dry overnight; just patchy light rain or drizzle. Rain, often heavy, will arrive around dawn and continue until around early afternoon before clearing away east. Sleet or snow on the summits, lowering to 700m for a time in afternoon. Skies clearing late afternoon and evening but a few sleet or snow showers may arrive around midnight.
Visibility
Mainly very poor on high slopes with low cloud and also some sleet or snow. Below the cloud base, generally poor in the rain, but visibility improving at all levels during afternoon as clearer conditions arrive.
Cloud Free Hill Top
Very little chance overnight, morning and early afternoon with extensive cloud above 400 or 500m. Often higher bases across northeastern fells. Becoming 80% during afternoon as cloud lifts and breaks.
Sunday'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 | 20% | 20% | 20% | 90% | 90% | 20% |
| At Valley | ||||||
| Temp | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Wind (mph) | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 9 | 7 |
| Max gusts (mph) | 28 | 31 | 33 | 36 | 22 | 18 |
| Wind direction | S | S | S | S | SW | W |
| At 300m | ||||||
| Temp | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Wind (mph) | 12 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 7 |
| Max gusts (mph) | 32 | 34 | 32 | 34 | 24 | 21 |
| Wind direction | S | S | S | S | SW | W |
| At 600m | ||||||
| Temp | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Wind (mph) | 29 | 30 | 30 | 32 | 20 | 16 |
| Max gusts (mph) | 40 | 41 | 42 | 45 | 28 | 22 |
| Wind direction | S | S | S | S | SW | W |
| At 900m | ||||||
| Temp | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -1 |
| Wind (mph) | 34 | 36 | 39 | 42 | 24 | 21 |
| Max gusts (mph) | 43 | 46 | 50 | 53 | 32 | 28 |
| Wind direction | S | S | S | S | SW | W |
Daylight
Provided by time.isLake District Forecast for Monday
Cold conditions with bright or clear intervals and occasional showers, falling as sleet or snow above 400m. Isolated heavy showers with hail and risk of thunder. Showers generally moving quickly so not lasting long but may merge to a longer spell of sleet or snow in the evening.
Visibility
Highly variable. Generally excellent between showers and away from low cloud. Sudden reductions as showers pass through; very poor at times in snow and low cloud.
Hill cloud
30%, best chance in northeast. Cloud base highly variable and fast-changing as showers pass through, lowering to 400m at times. Perhaps a more prolonged spell of low cloud in the evening.
Wind
South or southwest 35 gusts 45mph in early hours decreasing to 20-25mph during day with gusts 40mph in showers. Decreasing further in the evening. Severe chill effect.
Temperatures
- Valley: 4 or 5 Celsius.
- At 800m: Minus 1 Celsius.
- Freezing level: 600-700m.
Outlook for next few days
Tuesday 28 January
Cold conditions remaining with strong westerly winds and gales on the tops. A mixture of bright spells and sleet or snow showers, falling as rain at low levels. Some showers heavy with chance of hail and thunder. Freezing level 500 or 600m.
Wednesday 29 January
Wintry showers continuing, perhaps merging into a longer spell of rain, sleet or snow before turning to rain at all levels. Drier and milder conditions arriving from the west later. Strong west or southwest winds.
Thursday 30 January
Some uncertainty in the details but generally mild and windy conditions expected. Cloudy but dry start but spells of rain likely to develop.
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!
Make the most of the summer on a guided walk or navigation course
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.