How to predict mountain weather
Predicting mountain weather
We’ve teamed up with Mountain Training – the awarding body network for skills courses and qualifications in walking, climbing and mountaineering – to bring you some key hillwalking skills and tips. The first one is all about predicting the weather and planning trips safely in the ever-changing climate of the UK’s hills and mountains.
What’s happening regionally?
The weather is always changing so it’s good to know what’s happening across the UK. Is it mainly dry across the country or is it raining somewhere?
Have a look at a surface pressure chart. Can you see the UK under all the lines? If not, we’re probably experiencing some windy and/or wet weather as a result of a low-pressure system. If the UK is clearly visible with only a few lines crossing the country, high pressure is probably in charge which normally means more stable weather.
What’s due to happen before and after the time you’ll be on the hill? Weather fronts sometimes move faster or slower than forecast so it’s useful to know what’s been before and what’s coming next in case the timescale is wrong.
Best source: Met Office surface pressure charts and weather forecasts.
What’s happening locally?
Narrow your forecast area and find the Met Office Mountain Area and MWIS (Mountain Weather Information Service) forecasts for the region where you’ll be walking.
The two organisations will have access to similar synoptic charts but do they agree about what this means for your day on the hill? If so, they’re fairly reliable. If not, it means there’s some uncertainty about what will happen.
Best source: Met Office and MWIS mountain weather forecasts.
Top tip: write down the key points from the forecast on your map. This makes it easier to plan your route in the first place and will help you to monitor the weather as it changes during the day.
What’s it like in the car park (and on the hill)?
Does the weather match the forecast? If not, are you experiencing tomorrow’s weather or yesterday’s weather?
It’s possible to find out for free (and without ringing the local café to ask) whether it’s raining somewhere or not: raintoday.co.uk shows you where it’s been raining in the last three hours. This is especially useful if you’re travelling from the coast into the hills or vice versa for your walk. Compare this with the forecast – do they match?
Best source: Use your eyes and the Rain Today website. Weather geeks might also be interested in windy.com – it’s particularly good for looking at temperatures and wind speeds/directions at various heights.
