Guide to mountain forecasts

Following consultation with the walking community, we have recently updated our Mountain Forecast service. Information on the new forecasts can be found below.

Forecast guide

Each forecast contains the following information:

• Hazard risk
• Overview
• 3-hourly weather summary
• Probability of precipitation
• Visibility
• Hill fog
• Maximum winds
• Valley and summit level temperatures
• Freezing level
• Latest pressure chart
• General outlook for the next few days

The mountain forecasts are designed to be easy to use and understand, however, the following information may help you to interpret the forecasts.

Printable view

There is a printable view which contains the whole forecast (grouped conventionally). This can be added to favourites / bookmarked and is recommended for use on hand-held devices for speed of download.

Hazards

The level of risk of several hazards is provided. This is assessed as either Nil, Low, Medium or High and shown using a traffic light system. Where a risk is identified, additional information is provided.

Nil

Low

Medium

High

For detail on the criteria and impacts of the various hazards see the mountain hazards key.

Summary and probability of precipitation

A weather symbol is provided to give a summary of the weather conditions for each three hour period. This gives an indication of the most likely conditions across the majority of the area. You should remember that this symbol will not be representative of the conditions at every location in the area and at all times through the period.

The probability of precipitation section indicates the percentage likelihood of precipitation falling in the area during the period. This could be in the form of rain, drizzle, sleet, snow etc. More detail will be contained in the detailed forecast section.

Warnings

When severe weather warnings have been issued for the area this will be indicated at the bottom of the forecast.