Fell Top Conditions on Friday 17 January
Readings from Helvellyn summit at 13:51
Temperature plus 1.8°C Maximum wind speed 28.0mph Wind chill minus 6.2°C Average wind speed 17.1mph Wind direction SW
Today saw higher humidity levels on Helvellyn and across the region giving a slightly damper feel to conditions generally and also partly softening the remaining snowpack in places. The wind was stronger today and cloud shrouded many fells with occasional breaks and sun. The snow remains as scattered patches and swathes right down to low levels, whilst generally avoidable there are some routes with snow still lying on and in places it is still firm and icy where trodden in.
With quite significant windchill and increased humidity full winter clothing and safety equipment is still a must. Whilst most routes won't require crampons, where avoiding steep snow, micro-spikes and an ice axe may be very useful on many normal routes and ridges. Its worth noting that an overnight frost will quickly transform the remaining snow back to hard snow-ice making it far more hazardous, so keep an eye on the overnight temperatures while the snow remains.
Lake District weather forecast for Saturday 18 January
See today's weather conditions on live Lake District webcams
Issued: 17 January at 17:35
Low cloud. Temperature inversion. Bright and sunny spells.
Lake District Weather
Low cloud rather extensive overnight and through the morning, particularly across the south and west of the park, perhaps a little drizzle on windward slopes. However, a marked temperature inversion is possible around 700m, although some uncertainty around this. This will could lead to the higher summits being mostly sunny or clear. The cloud tending to lift and break more widely during the afternoon and evening.
Visibility
Occasional or extensive low cloud, base around 300m but capped around 700m due to temperature inversion, perhaps patches or clear later. Visibility moderate to very poor in cloud, otherwise very good.
Chance of Cloud Free Hill Top
70%
Saturday'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 |
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 |
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| |
| Chance of precipitation | 00% | <05% | <05% | <05% | <05% | <05% |
| At Valley | ||||||
| Temp | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Wind (mph) | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Max gusts (mph) | 17 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Wind direction | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| At 300m | ||||||
| Temp | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Wind (mph) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Max gusts (mph) | 22 | 22 | 21 | 22 | 18 | 18 |
| Wind direction | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| At 600m | ||||||
| Temp | 2 | 2 | 0 | -0 | 1 | 1 |
| Wind (mph) | 21 | 20 | 19 | 21 | 19 | 18 |
| Max gusts (mph) | 27 | 26 | 25 | 28 | 25 | 24 |
| Wind direction | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| At 900m | ||||||
| Temp | 1 | -0 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -0 |
| Wind (mph) | 21 | 22 | 21 | 24 | 22 | 21 |
| Max gusts (mph) | 27 | 28 | 27 | 30 | 28 | 27 |
| Wind direction | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Daylight
Provided by time.isLake District Forecast for Sunday
Similar conditions to Saturday with variable low cloud and some sunny or clear conditions. A temperature inversion is again possible, particularly early in the day.
Visibility
Occasional or extensive low cloud, base around 300m but possibly capped below the summits due to temperature inversion. Visibility moderate to very poor in cloud, otherwise very good.
Chance of cloud free hill
70%
Wind
Variable 10 to 15mph.
Temperatures
- Valley: Minus 1 Celsius rising to plus 5 Celsius
- At 800m: Minus 2 Celsius to Plus 2 Celsius
- Freezing level: Well down at first, but mainly towards the summits although complicated by a temperature inversion.
Outlook for next few days
Monday 20 January
Mostly cloudy with occasional light rain and drizzle. Light winds at height.
Tuesday 21 January
Occasional low cloud. Bright, sunny or clear spells. Light winds at height. Freezing level around the summits, perhaps lowering overnight.
Wednesday 22 January
Occasional low cloud. Bright, sunny or clear spells. Strengthening easterly winds at height with a severe wind chill developing. Freezing level 400 to 700m.
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.