Lake District
The entire Lake District National Park, taking in all major summits, including Scafell, Helvellyn, Skiddaw, the Langdales and Old Man of Coniston.
Today's Forecast
Gale force, walking arduous
Considerable buffeting, walking into the wind will be strenuous on exposed terrain, stronger gusts may knock you off your feet. 40 to 55mph.
Patchy rain or drizzle
Rain on and off, or generally drizzly - total amounts small, but may be persistently damp, especially where hills are shrouded in cloud.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 0 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
Winter kit required on higher terrain
Snow cover over higher mountains. Safe progress over some terrain will require suitable footwear - possibly crampons and ice-axe where necessary.
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Gale force, walking arduous
Considerable buffeting, walking into the wind will be strenuous on exposed terrain, stronger gusts may knock you off your feet. 40 to 55mph.
Patchy rain or drizzle
Rain on and off, or generally drizzly - total amounts small, but may be persistently damp, especially where hills are shrouded in cloud.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 0 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
Winter kit required on higher terrain
Snow cover over higher mountains. Safe progress over some terrain will require suitable footwear - possibly crampons and ice-axe where necessary.
Viewing Forecast For
Lake District
Tuesday 17th March 2026
Last updated
Mon 16th Mar 26 at
3:15PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Widely windy, severe gales in Scotland. Rain in the western Scottish highlands edges into central highlands with time; early drizzle over many high slopes, lingering in Scotland, Lakeland, and Snowdonia. Sun breaking out afternoon over Wales and the Pennines with milder temperatures, though a chill in wind.
Headline for Lake District
Gales; fog and drizzle south, may clear northward
How windy? (On the summits)
South-southwesterly 40-55mph on higher tops. Strongest winds Pillar to Skiddaw. Powerful gusts, which may reach lower slopes too. A gradual easing trend begins late in the day and overnight.
Effect of the wind on you?
Arduous walking in exposure with significant wind chill, most difficult mobility towards northwest Lakes where strongest gusts could blow you over.
How Wet?
Frequent drizzle southern fells, improving afternoon
Frequent to persistent drizzle from Pillar east to High Street, some drizzle drifting to the Helvellyn group too. Fells to the north largely dry, only some fine drizzle blowing in the wind. Easing through afternoon.
Cloud on the hills?
Fairly extensive, chance afternoon breaks
Persistent fog south Lakes, cloud base often down to 200-400m. Higher cloud base north Lakes - the cloud may clear completely for periods afternoon from Helvellyn towards Skiddaw, though extent of clearance uncertain - always a risk of cloud returning above 600m.
Chance of cloud free summits?
20% south lakes to 50% north
Sunshine and air clarity?
Dull and murky most or all day south Lakes. Glimpses of sun north, possibly frequent for a few hours; visibility good although hazy towards the sea.
How Cold? (at 750m)
4 or 5C. Feeling like -7 to -10C in direct wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Viewing Forecast For
Lake District
Wednesday 18th March 2026
Last updated
Mon 16th Mar 26 at
3:15PM
How windy? (On the summits)
Southwesterly 10-20mph, shifting southerly and easing to 10mph or less, perhaps a lull.
Effect of the wind on you?
Small.
How Wet?
Likely dry
A few spots of light rain may affect the fells in the morning, though maybe none at all.
Cloud on the hills?
Mostly high terrain, particularly west
Banks of cloud at various heights in the morning, lifting after sunrise, largely to 800m and up. Helvellyn to Blencathra may substantially clear for most of the day.
Chance of cloud free summits?
80% east, 60% west
Sunshine and air clarity?
Some sunshine but often shrouded by high cloud and perhaps some lower cloud in the west. Good visibility.
How Cold? (at 750m)
5C lifting to 9C.
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Viewing Forecast For
Lake District
Thursday 19th March 2026
Last updated
Mon 16th Mar 26 at
3:15PM
How windy? (On the summits)
East-southeasterly 10mph or less.
Effect of the wind on you?
Negligible.
How Wet?
Precipitation unlikely
Cloud on the hills?
Some banks over high fells
Some early valley fog, this lifting and largely dissipating after sunrise. Odd banks further up the hill too, these also lifting, to just fleeing patches drifting over the high fells for most of the day.
Chance of cloud free summits?
60%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Often sunny, though weakened by high cloud. Good visibility but some haze.
How Cold? (at 750m)
8 or 9C, only slight change with added height.
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Planning Outlook
Pressure begins to rise on Wednesday, bringing fairly widely settled conditions across the country. Some cloud and spotty light rain lingers in north England/south Scotland for a few days, elsewhere becoming mostly sunny; valley fog in many lowland areas early, lifting and dissipating after sunrise for clear hills. Generally milder temperatures and light wind but the occasional stronger gust. East Scotland stays cooler for a time, some overnight frosts possible under clear-sky nights. Over the weekend, first indications of a cool easterly wind building, perhaps some patchy rain here and there. Into next week, detail is uncertain; low pressure may occasionally unsettle the weather, brining cooler, wetter, and windier periods.