Mountain skills · weather Mountain Weather Basics A quick-reference of weather rules of thumb for hill walkers — temperature, wind, wind chill, cloud, the signs it's turning and what to check before you set off.
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Back ✉️ Recommend to a friend Guidance, not a forecast. Always check the day's mountain forecast (e.g. MWIS or the Met Office Mountain forecast) before you head out.
Mountain Weather Basics Rules of thumb Temperature Drops about 1°C for every 100 m you climb — nearer 0.6°C in cloud or rain. Wind Far stronger on tops and ridges. Near 40 mph walking is hard; gusts can floor you. Wind chill Wind and wet strip body heat fast — dress for the feels-like, not the air temperature. Cloud & visibility If the cloud base is below your route you'll be in cloud — expect a whiteout. Signs it's turning Lowering, thickening cloud, rising wind, falling pressure, a ring round the sun. Before you go Check a mountain forecast (MWIS, Met Office). Note wind, cloud base and rain. Mountain Cards For hill walkers Use of this tool is offered on the condition of a donation to Severn Area Rescue Association .