Fell Top Conditions on Wednesday 26 March
Readings from Fairfield summit (873m) at 09:00
Temperature plus 2.2°C Maximum wind speed 6.4mph Wind chill minus 2.3°C Average wind speed 5.6mph Wind direction South
A three season day on the fells today. The pleasant conditions have continued to give dry rock and footpaths. The only cautious conditions of note were the light breeze and cloud covered higher summits. The wind-chill is still registering in the minus figures so suitable insulation and windproof/waterproof jacket with hat and gloves is advised. Navigation, is generally easy if following footpaths but needs a little concentration once in the clouds with poor visibility. The weather looks to deteriorate overnight and into tomorrow so care should be taken in planning a suitable route choice carrying enough personal kit with additional emergency kit. (Rucksack, whistle, food and drink, small first aid kit, a bivvi bag or shelter, head torch, map and compass). Leave a note as to when and where you are going including a time to raise the alarm.
Lake District weather forecast for Thursday 27 March
See today's weather conditions on live Lake District webcams
Issued: 26 March at 16:15
Cloudy with patchy rain. Summit winds increasing strong to gale during afternoon.
Lake District Weather
A cloudy day with patchy light rain or drizzle, this most persistent during the morning. Rain building during the evening with some heavier outbreaks developing mid to late evening. Winds increasing strong to gale for the afternoon.
Visibility
Good, becoming moderate or poor in rain, very poor within cloud with bases quite extensive down to 600m.
Chance of Cloud Free Hill Top
20% by day
Thursday'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 | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 70% | 50% |
| At Valley | ||||||
| Temp | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| Wind (mph) | 6 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 17 |
| Max gusts (mph) | 16 | 17 | 18 | 23 | 29 | 34 |
| Wind direction | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW |
| At 300m | ||||||
| Temp | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| Wind (mph) | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Max gusts (mph) | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 29 | 35 |
| Wind direction | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW |
| At 600m | ||||||
| Temp | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Wind (mph) | 16 | 17 | 20 | 20 | 25 | 30 |
| Max gusts (mph) | 21 | 23 | 27 | 28 | 35 | 43 |
| Wind direction | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW |
| At 900m | ||||||
| Temp | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Wind (mph) | 24 | 24 | 24 | 26 | 31 | 38 |
| Max gusts (mph) | 29 | 30 | 30 | 33 | 41 | 50 |
| Wind direction | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW | SW |
Daylight
Provided by time.isLake District Forecast for Friday
Sunshine and showers, with outbreaks building and turning heavier for the afternoon bringing a risk of hail and thunder for a time. Strong summit winds developing, bringing a severe wind chill at height.
Visibility
Good of very good, becoming moderate or poor in showers, very poor in cloud with bases occasionally lowering to 600-800m, particually during the afternoon as showers push through.
Chance of cloud free hill
75%
Wind
West or southwest increasing to mean 20-25mph from mid-day with gusts reaching 35mph over more exposed ridges and summits.
Temperatures
- Valley: Plus 3 Celsius increasing 11 Celsius during the afternoon
- At 800m: Plus 2 Celsius
- Freezing level: Above all summits
Outlook for next few days
Saturday 29 March
Dry with sunny spells for the morning. Cloud then rain reaching from the west during the afternoon and evening, as the winds increase strong. Freezing level above all peaks.
Sunday 30 March
Mainly dry with occasional brighter spells. Fresh to strong westerly summit winds. Freezing level above all peaks.
Monday 31 March
Some limited brightness and a few light showers. Winds occasionally increasing fresh. Freezing level above all peaks.
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.