Written by: Andrew Forrest
Updated: July 2025
Before going on a walk or hike, it's essential to check the weather as part of your preparation. Keeping updated with detailed forecasts helps you plan your walks and climbs for safer conditions or consider postponing if the forecast predicts severe weather.
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Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable and can change in an instant, even when the lowlands seem calm. Each of the National Three Peaks (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowdon) and the Yorkshire Three Peaks (Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, Ingleborough) can sometimes have their own microclimates. Conditions at the summit are often much colder, windier, and wetter than in the valleys below.
For example, temperatures decrease by about 1°C for every 100m of elevation gain, meaning a warm day in the valley can become
near-freezing with wind chill on a high peak. Checking specialised mountain forecasts is crucial for safety and comfort. Accurate forecasts help
you dress correctly, pack suitable gear, anticipate visibility issues, and avoid hazardous weather. Many rescue incidents in these situations
happen because parties are caught unprepared by unexpected weather.
Many hikers make the mistake of looking at a general town forecast and assuming the conditions will be the same in the mountains. This can lead to poor preparation and put them at risk of hypothermia, becoming lost in fog, or worse. People attempting the Three Peaks, or anyone walking in the hills or mountains, should constantly monitor mountain-specific weather sources in the lead-up to their walk or challenge.
Remember: the mountain environment heightens weather effects - a gentle breeze in town could turn into gale-force winds on a summit, and a light shower might become sleet or thick cloud at the top. By staying informed with detailed forecasts, you can time your climbs for safer conditions or even decide to postpone if the outlook is severe. The peaks will always be there another day, so use the forecasts to plan responsibly and avoid 'just pushing on' in unsafe weather (a common mistake when people stick to a fixed challenge date despite storms).
Not all forecast data holds the same importance for mountain walkers. Concentrate on the factors that most influence safety, comfort, and enjoyment on the peaks.
High winds can make ridge walking difficult or even knock you over. Always check summit wind speeds and peak gusts. Windy conditions significantly increase the 'feels like' cold temperature (wind chill) and can slow progress or force you to turn back. Pay attention to the wind direction as well, considering whether it is behind you, in your face, or blowing straight across, especially on exposed or ridge sections.
Many mountain forecasts indicate when winds will hinder walking or become dangerous (e.g. MWIS uses phrases like 'buffeting, strenuous walking' for 30-40mph and warns of 'ferocious gusts' on stormy days). Gusts exceeding 50-60 mph on summits are extremely risky - consider delaying your climb if you encounter this.
Check the likelihood of rain (% probability) and expected rainfall amounts. Even light rain can make paths slippery and obscure views, while heavy rain leads to faster-flowing streams and increases the risk of hypothermia if you don't have proper waterproof clothing. Moreover, in winter, and sometimes during spring and autumn, rain on the peaks may fall as sleet or snow at higher elevations. If snow is forecast or has recently fallen, ensure you have the right winter gear ready. Additionally, pay attention to the freezing level in forecasts (the height above which precipitation may be snow or ice).
Many mountain accidents happen in poor visibility. Low cloud (fog) on a summit can hide paths and cliffs, making navigation especially difficult (particularly on Scafell Pike's and Ingleborough's broad, featureless tops). Check forecasts of the cloud base - for example, 'cloud lowering to 600m' means the summit could be covered in thick fog.
Some services (Met Office, MWIS) provide a 'chance of cloud-free hilltops' percentage; a low percentage indicates that you are unlikely to have clear views and may need to rely on a compass or GPS for navigation. Visibility forecasts (e.g., 'good visibility' versus 'very poor in cloud') are important, as they tell you if you will be walking in a whiteout. If possible, schedule GPS- or map-dependent sections (such as the plateau on Ingleborough and the summit of Ben Nevis in snowy conditions) for times when visibility is better.
Mountaintop temperatures are often significantly lower than those in the valley. Check the summit forecast temperature and, in particular, the 'feels like' temperature, which considers wind chill as well as altitude gain. A summer day can still feel sub-zero at the summit due to the wind.
For example, if Snowdon's air temperature is 5°C but there is a 40mph wind and dampness, the wind chill could feel like -5°c. Knowing this, you should pack gloves, a hat, and extra layers. Also, be aware that if the temperature is near freezing, overnight frost or ice could stay on shaded paths.
In summary, don't just check if it's 'rainy or sunny' on the peaks. Explore the wind, precipitation, cloud cover, and temperatures at the summit elevations. These factors determine whether you'll be trudging through cloud with 30m visibility, battling gusts, or enjoying a clear, calm summit.
Utilise multiple sources to gather all this information - one site might emphasise the wind, another the cloud levels, and so forth. Below, we outline the sites we most frequently use for detailed mountain weather data and offer guidance on how to utilise them for each peak.
When undertaking the National 3 Peaks or the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, it's wise to bookmark a few weather specialist websites. General forecasts for nearby towns (Fort William, Wasdale, Llanberis, Horton in Ribblesdale, etc.) are inadequate - you need mountain-specific information. The following online sources are well-known for their reliability and detail.
MWIS, established in 2003, is a dedicated mountain forecast service that offers detailed three-day forecasts for ten upland regions across the UK. These forecasts are specially designed for walkers and climbers, emphasising how conditions will feel on the ground rather than simply providing numerical data.
MWIS uses descriptive headings like 'How Windy?', 'How Wet?', 'Cloud on the hills?', and 'Chance of cloud-free summits', along with plain-language explanations. This includes warnings about how conditions may affect you - e.g., 'walking will be strenuous on tops, affecting balance on ridges' or 'another stormy day on higher fells; mobility very difficult'. Such phrasing helps less experienced hikers judge if conditions are within their limits.
For the Three Peaks challenges, MWIS provides relevant regional forecasts on their website (updated each afternoon, with a PDF option for easy printing). The pages to consult are:
MWIS forecasts emphasise the key hazards: wind effects, humidity, cloud cover on the hills, temperature, freezing level, and more, while
also providing summit temperatures and 'feels like' estimates. They show a percentage for cloud-free summits (e.g., '30%' indicates a low chance
of clear views) along with the expected height of cloud bases.
MWIS is usually updated daily at 4:30 pm and offers detailed information about the next 24 hours, along with similar but less detailed data for the following two days. Download the PDF or save the page offline on your phone if you need to consult it during the hike when you might not have a signal.
The UK Met Office offers specialist mountain area forecasts on its website, separate from the standard city forecasts. These are excellent for providing a more official five-day outlook on mountain weather, including any weather warnings. The Met Office mountain pages combine a narrative forecast with useful data tables and hazard icons.
You can view the general forecast for the entire area, such as the Southwest Highlands, which provides detailed sections on cloud cover, winds at various heights, and feels-like temperatures at different levels. Alternatively, you can access mountain-specific forecasts for locations like Ben Nevis. I always check both the specific mountain, Ben Nevis, and the surrounding area, the Southwest Highlands.
Relevant pages (on the Met Office site's 'Mountain' section) are:
On each page, the Met Office offers a detailed 24-hour forecast for the following two days, along with a brief three-day outlook. The layout
combines text and tables. For instance, the Lake District forecast will describe the weather (such as cloud cover, showers) and include the
'of cloud-free hilltops' (for example, 60% or 70%), as well as specifics like 'Maximum wind speed expected' (e.g., 50mph gusts on summits) and
the freezing level. It also features a table showing conditions by elevation: typically valley, 300m, 600m, 900m at various times of day.
This table displays temperature (and 'feels like' temperature) at various heights, along with wind speed and direction, allowing you to see how conditions worsen with altitude. The Met Office forecasts also highlight any hazards (e.g. lightning risk, icy surfaces, etc.) and provide a general 'meteorologist's view' summary.
The Met Office Mountain Forecasts are updated twice daily - early morning before 6 am and late afternoon before 6 pm - so they are useful to check the night before and again in the morning of your walk for any updates.
They are also available through the Met Office mobile app, which can display the mountain forecast when you search for the mountain area or summit - more on this below. These official forecasts are based on the Met Office's high-resolution UK weather model, capable of capturing local effects that global models might overlook, such as intricate wind patterns in the valleys.
Windy is an interactive weather map platform that's great for visualising weather patterns. It's not specific to mountains, but it helps you see the 'big picture' and detailed model forecasts for any location. Several similar apps also show the 'big picture'.
Windy is particularly popular for checking wind conditions, as its name indicates. You can add multiple layers to the map to view satellite images, cloud cover, wind gusts, and more. The website shows a colour-coded map with wind speeds and animated flow lines, enabling you to see how a front or storm will move across Scotland, England, and Wales.
For Three Peaks planning, Windy is useful in several ways:
Windy is free to use (with a paid option for additional features, which is not necessary for basic use) and is accessible via browser or
mobile app. It's an excellent tool for the week before the challenge to observe the general trend (e.g., 'is a big Atlantic storm coming or
will it be a calm high-pressure week?') and also the day before to identify weather windows (e.g., a gap between showers).
Remember that Windy's data is model-based; it doesn't include human commentary or warnings, so use it alongside MWIS/Met Office, which provide hazard advice and a clear narrative.
A website offering summit-specific forecasts for thousands of peaks worldwide. For instance, it includes pages for Ben Nevis (1345m), Scafell Pike (978m), Snowdon (1085m), among others. These forecasts provide a 6-day outlook with weather updates every 3 hours across multiple elevations (base, mid, summit). They are straightforward to read and often quite detailed.
Mountain-forecast.com primarily relies on a single model (GFS) and isn't human-edited; while useful for cross-checking, it may not be as accurate as MWIS or Met Office. Use it as a supplementary tool to see if it generally agrees with other forecasts, especially for peaks and times beyond the 3-day window. If you use their free version, note that detailed forecasts beyond a couple of days might require an account. However, the first 2-3 days are usually fully visible, and that's the most important period.
This is specifically for the Lake District, but it's worth mentioning for those climbing Scafell Pike. Weatherline provides a daily fell-top report from a park ranger on Helvellyn, combined with a mountain forecast for the day. The ranger actually ascends Helvellyn each day, noting snow conditions, temperature, etc., and even posts photos.
While Helvellyn isn't Scafell Pike, it serves as a good indicator for general conditions in the Lakes (e.g., if he reports snow and 60mph winds on Helvellyn, expect similar on Scafell). Weatherline's forecast section resembles MWIS/Met Office and concentrates on Lake District conditions. It's a valuable resource for winter or borderline seasons to evaluate ground conditions (like snow/ice) that forecasts alone might not make clear.
It's not a forecast, but checking mountain webcams can be very helpful on the day. For example, the Yorkshire Dales and Lakes have some webcams (there's an Ingleborough webcam and one at Wasdale for a view of Scafell Pike, etc.). Seeing a live image can confirm if peaks are cloud-covered or clear - but that is only at that specific moment.
Alongside the websites mentioned above, having reliable apps on your smartphone can be a lifesaver for quick weather checks on the go. Unsurprisingly, these are mainly the app versions of the online sites listed earlier, but they do have subtle differences and often do not offer all the same detail as the online version. Here are the top apps for the Three Peaks weather, and what they provide:
The Met Office's official app (free) is highly recommended. It offers standard forecasts and National Severe Weather Warnings. Importantly for hikers, you can search for mountain summits or areas (e.g., 'Ben Nevis' or 'Snowdonia National Park') and receive a customised forecast.
The app includes most of the key information from the online site: hourly breakdowns, 7-day outlook, and details like 'feels like' temperature, wind speed and direction, precipitation %, and visibility. It's also user-friendly and easy to read.
The Met Office app doesn't directly display the full mountain-area weather forecast (those are available on the website), but for quick checks during the day, it's excellent.
Use it to set favourite locations for each peak. The app will then display 3-hourly forecasts for a week. It also provides sunrise and sunset times, as well as the UV index - useful for planning start times or sun protection.
MWIS, I believe, had an Android app called Mountain Forecast (a third-party app using MWIS data). However, when they updated their website, it stopped transmitting data to it. The app used to display the text in an easy-to-read mobile view and sometimes allowed caching for offline use.
Unfortunately, there's no official iOS app (iPhone users should bookmark the MWIS website). However, an alternative for iOS (and Android if the app no longer exists) is to use a web browser to save the PDF forecasts to your device for offline reading. Regardless of platform, MWIS's content is valuable, so access it via the app or web. The PDFs are very easy to read on an iPhone or Android.
Windy's mobile app is just as powerful as the website. It's free on iOS and Android. Use it to view hourly weather graphs for specific peaks and animate weather layers. For example, during the drive between Scotland and England, you could watch the Windy radar to see if a band of rain is hitting the Lakes.
Or check the wind map on Snowdon's summit to decide which side (Llanberis vs PYG track) might be more sheltered. The app allows downloading some data for offline use (you can save favourite locations and the forecast will remain if the app is open, but if you completely lose signal it may not update). So try to check it while you still have data.
There are many general weather apps (AccuWeather, MetCheck, BBC Weather, etc.), but the ones listed above best meet specialised needs and are the ones I use most.
Timing is crucial with mountain weather. I always review a couple of forecasts several times, each at specific intervals, to monitor changing conditions.
Keep an eye on the overall trend. About 7-10 days in advance, forecasts may be uncertain but can highlight important patterns (e.g., a settled high-pressure system versus an Atlantic low). If you are flexible with scheduling your Three Peaks attempt, this is the time to mark in the most promising window or consider alternative dates.
Consider wider forecasts: Met Office 7-day outlook, BBC Weather, or Windy's long-range view. You might note, for instance, 'looks like next weekend a storm will hit Scotland - maybe aim for the following weekend'. Also, check the current conditions in the weeks leading up to your attempt. If there has been heavy rain for days, you may expect boggy paths. If a heatwave occurs, be ready to carry more water.
Now shift focus to mountain-specific forecasts, as they become more reliable in the short term. MWIS releases forecasts up to three days ahead, with the next 24 hours being the most detailed. The Met Office mountain forecast will also provide a clearer three-day picture. Check these for each peak area.
At this stage, you can solidify your plans. For instance, you might observe that Day 1 (Ben Nevis) appears stormy, while Day 2 shows improvement. You may consider rearranging the order of peaks or preparing for a slower, more cautious ascent in inclement weather.
Examine cross-regional differences: perhaps Scotland is experiencing rain while Wales remains dry - this is important if you're driving between the two within 24 hours, as you'll encounter very different conditions. Also, compare multiple sources side by side (e.g., MWIS vs. Met Office) to identify consensus or discrepancies. If one forecast stands out as an outlier, exercise caution; nature can swing either way, so be prepared for the harsher scenario just in case.
This is the detailed, critical check. By the evening before, you should have the latest MWIS update (which is refreshed around 4:30 pm) and the most recent Met Office update. Review these carefully line by line for each mountain. Note the expected wind speeds, any weather warnings, and sunrise times (especially if you're starting pre-dawn or walking overnight; for example, many Three Peaks challengers ascend Scafell Pike in the dark - knowing the sunrise time is useful). Just don't forget your headtorch!
Additionally, check an hour-by-hour source for each peak over the next 24 hours; this will inform you, for instance, if a band of heavy rain is expected at 3 am when you'll be on Scafell. Plan your kit and timing accordingly: if rain is forecast later, consider starting earlier; if a cold night is predicted, ensure everyone has hats, gloves, and other necessary items.
The night before is also when you might make a go/no-go decision if conditions seem very bad (e.g., a forecast of 80mph winds or thunderstorms on Ben Nevis - in which case, it's wiser to postpone the challenge than to call Mountain Rescue). It's useful to write a quick checklist for each peak with the forecast highlights (e.g., 'Nevis: summit ~0°C, 40mph wind, rain probable after 2 pm, cloud base 900m', etc.).
Always perform a final morning check before setting off (or when you have a signal). Weather can change overnight or early in the morning (fronts may move faster or slower). Use the Met Office around breakfast time to see the latest hourly forecasts - for example, did that rain front arrive early? Is the wind picking up sooner?
Also, take a quick look at the rain radar in case an unexpected shower has appeared. If you're already on the way, such as driving to the start at 5 am, use a phone app or the radio forecast to check if any new weather warnings have been issued. Small changes can require adjustments - perhaps you decide to pack an extra mid-layer or delay your departure by an hour to let a shower pass. Remember, the mountains often create their own dawn clouds or valley fog that burns off - a morning check will better capture that nuance than last night's forecast.
This is especially important for the National 3 Peaks, where transfers between mountains can take several hours. During this period, the weather can change. Make the most of your travel time: have one team member check the forecast for the next peak while others rest. For example, after Ben Nevis, access the latest information for Scafell Pike (Lake District). By the time you're halfway there, the Met Office may have updated the afternoon outlook, or you might hear of an approaching front. Similarly, before heading to Snowdon, check the latest forecast for Snowdonia.
If you have a support driver, ask them to monitor conditions ahead. Be prepared to be flexible: if forecasts indicate an earlier-than-expected
storm at Snowdon, you might push harder on Scafell to finish early or take a slightly longer break to avoid arriving in the worst of it.
Each region's forecast is unique - don't assume that because it was sunny on Ben Nevis, Snowdon will be too (often, it can be the opposite!).
Cross-check multiple sources again - for example, if MWIS Snowdonia indicates clearing in the evening but the Met Office still shows
thunderstorms at 6 pm, you'll want to err on the side of caution or at least be mentally prepared for bad weather on Snowdon's ascent.
After each climb, take a moment to assess how the actual weather compared to the forecast. This can help you judge the forecast's accuracy for that day. For example, if the wind on Scafell was much stronger than expected, it might indicate the model under-predicted it - so be extra cautious with Snowdon's forecast (expect similarly stronger winds). Keep updating your plan with the latest information.
Over the years, I've realised that no single forecast is definitive. It's wise to cross-check two to three sources for each peak. Often, you'll find they mainly agree, but if not, prepare for the more extreme scenario.
Also, interpret the data in context: a 40% chance of rain doesn't mean 'probably dry' - in the mountains, it could mean one valley stays dry
while the summit gets dumped on. A 'moderate breeze' in a valley forecast could be a near-gale on top due to altitude gain. Read the narrative
parts of forecasts (they often mention things like 'ferocious gusts to lower slopes', which numbers alone might not convey).
Learn some mountain weather lingo: for example, MWIS often uses terms like 'occasional showers' (meaning intermittent rain) or 'extensive hill fog' (meaning cloud covering most summits). The Met Office might refer to 'strong summit winds' or 'risk of thunderstorms by afternoon'.
Take all thunderstorm risks seriously - if mentioned, plan to be off high ground by then or have an escape route. Pay attention to the freezing level - if it's below the summit, rain could turn to ice on rocks, making conditions treacherous. In winter or early spring, check if snow or ice are expected or have already accumulated; MWIS might note 'snow lying on higher paths', which could mean you'd need axes or crampons.
Be aware that you might not have mobile signal, especially in valleys like Wasdale or parts of Snowdonia. Prepare by downloading data: save PDFs of MWIS, screenshot the Met Office summary, and ensure your apps are pre-loaded with the latest updates.
Although not weather-related, it's similarly important to use mapping apps, like OS Maps, and download the map areas in advance so you can access your map when there's no signal. And of course, always carry a map and compass.
Finally, trust your own observations on the mountain. If the sky looks threatening or the wind is stronger than forecasted, change your plans even if the forecast indicated it would be fine. Forecasts are quite accurate nowadays but not flawless. Mountain weather can surprise you, so stay vigilant. By using the best resources and remaining flexible, you greatly improve your chances of having a safe and enjoyable Three Peaks adventure, even if the weather throws a curveball.
Mountains can generate their own weather. Even if rain seems only 20% likely, pack full waterproofs. If winds are forecast at 30 mph, be prepared for gusts of 50 mph, just in case.
If the forecast worsens (e.g. a surprise storm), don't hesitate to change plans. The mountains will be there another day. It's not worth risking injury just for a challenge. Adjust timings (wait out a passing squall in a safe spot) or even skip a peak if conditions are too dangerous (high winds or lightning are absolute no-go). The Three Peaks Challenge has a time element, but safety always comes first over any target time.
Understand terms like 'up-slope fog' (meaning fog is forming on the slopes as moist air is forced upwards), 'wind chill' (extra cooling caused by wind), and so forth. MWIS and the Met Office offer explanatory notes (the Met Office has a 'Mountain weather explained' section). If you're unsure what something means (for example, 'freezing level 900m' or 'storm force winds'), do a quick lookup before you set out.
We've listed many tools - you don't need all of them, but using at least two will boost your confidence. If MWIS and the Met Office agree on an aspect (say, gales on Ben Nevis), you can trust that. If they differ, prepare for the more severe scenario. My general rule of thumb is never to rely solely on a single weather forecast, and always carry waterproofs and extra layers in your essential kit.
Sometimes your senses can warn you - a sudden drop in temperature, a change in wind direction, or cloud formation could indicate an approaching front sooner than forecasted. Use the sky as another guide: for example, see lenticular clouds (lens-shaped clouds) over peaks? That can signal very strong winds aloft. The smell of petrichor (rain on dry ground) or distant lightning flashes are also clues - it's potentially time to seek cover, even if your app hasn't updated yet.
Many weather apps let you enable push notifications. While these notifications can sometimes be irritating, turning them on for weather warnings ensures you receive an alert if a wind or storm warning is issued for any of the mountain regions.
By utilising the above weather resources and apps, Three Peaks walkers can significantly enhance their safety and enjoyment. There's a distinct satisfaction in perfectly timing a summit attempt between weather windows - seizing the only hour of sunshine on Snowdon that day because you interpreted the forecast correctly.
And even if the weather is challenging, being forewarned is being forearmed. You will possess the right kit and mindset to cope, transforming what could be a miserable ordeal into a proud achievement.
Happy and safe hiking!
Southwest Highlands mountain weather on Met Office Lake District mountain weather on Met Office Eryri / Snowdonia mountain weather on Met Office Yorkshire Dales mountain weather on Met Office