Fell Top Weather

Forecast

Today - Tuesday, 18th February

HazardLikelihood
BlizzardsNone
Heavy Persistent SnowNone
Storm Force WindsNone
GalesNone
Severe Chill EffectMedium
Poor VisibilityLow
ThunderstormsNone
Heavy Persistent RainNone
Strong SunlightNone
Summary
Bright. Cold and windy at height.
Detail
Occasional or patchy summit cloud during the morning, perhaps a few snow flurries. Bright or sunny spells developing during the day
Visibility
Occasional or patchy summit cloud, mainly clearing during the morning. Visibility mostly good or very good, except in summit cloud.
Chance of cloud free summits
50% rising to 80%
Forecaster's view
Caution around exact temperature and freezing level.
Conditions through the day
Time06:0009:0012:0015:0018:0021:00
Weather
Precipitation20%20%10%<5%<5%<5%
Freezing Level00m100m300m400m300m300m
900mTemperature (°C)-4-21211
Feels like (°C)-12-6-6-4-7-7
Wind directionSESESESESESE
Wind speed (mph)313128273235
Wind gust (mph)404038374144
600mTemperature (°C)-1-1-01-1-1
Feels like (°C)-10-10-8-7-9-9
Wind directionSESESESESESE
Wind speed (mph)404034313336
Wind gust (mph)535347444750
300mTemperature (°C)121100
Feels like (°C)-4-4-2-0-3-4
Wind directionSESESESESESE
Wind speed (mph)151714101215
Wind gust (mph)333427243137
ValleyTemperature (°C)124533
Feels like (°C)-4-301-1-2
Wind directionSESEESEEE
Wind speed (mph)141411111414
Wind gust (mph)323023243133
Daylight
dawn 06:49, sunrise 07:26, sunset 17:26, dusk 18:03

Fell Top Assessors' report

Fell Top Conditions on Monday 17 February

Readings from Helvellyn summit at 14:00

Temperature minus 4.5°C Maximum wind speed 35.6mph Wind chill minus 16.4°C Average wind speed 22.6mph Wind direction SSE

Day 12 of a stable easterly airstream bringing cold temperatures, snow showers and extensive cloud to the Lake District fells. This weather pattern is currently forecast to continue until Wednesday night when there will be a sudden deterioration.

All but the highest summits are now clear of snow but where winter still exists conditions are serious and full winter clothing, equipment and skills are all required

The freezing level was around 500m overnight which again refroze the old snow (neve) which is generally to be found on steep north through east aspects above 700m. There was a small sprinkle of new snow but generally snow conditions were even firmer and more serious than yesterday with the potential for long slides into rocks

Microspikes are strongly recommended for anyone venturing above the snowline on even the easiest paths. They were also reported to be working well on Striding Edge. However Swirral Edge is still in full winter condition and an ice axe and crampons are essential for a safe ascent or descent.


Wednesday, 19th February

Detail
Dry overnight and during the morning. Partly cloudy or bright, then lowering cloud with occasional rain or drizzle developing later in the afternoon and into the evening.
Wind
Southeast 25 to 30mph gusting 40mph with a significant wind chill.
Visibility
Patchy summit cloud or clear at first. Becoming extensive, base around 600m by evening.
Chance of cloud free summits
80% falling 30% by the evening
Daylight
dawn 06:47, sunrise 07:23, sunset 17:28, dusk 18:05


Thursday, 20th February

Cloudy with outbreaks of heavy rain, turning drier and clearer through the afternoon and into the evening. Strong to gale force south or southwest winds at height. Freezing level above the summits.


Friday, 21st February

Heavy rain and summit gales, becoming drier later. Strong to gale force south or southwest winds at height.


Saturday, 22nd February

Cloudy or bright with occasional showers. Fresh to strong southwesterly winds at height.

This forecast contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence.

WalkLakes recognises that hill walking, or walking in the mountains, is an activity with a danger of personal injury or death.
Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions.