The day on the hill
On Moel Sych: summit wind broadly 10-30 mph, with gusts 30-40 mph at times (strong winds).
Wind & exposure
Much calmer lower down - generally 5-15 mph in the valley, rising towards the tops.
Cloud & views
Cloud base around 800–1100 m in the morning, then around 1600–1900 m around midday and 1100–1400 m by late afternoon. The summit is likely to stay mostly clear.
Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud. Clear spells may be difficult to time.
Rain & temperature
Little or no rain is forecast. Cold on exposed tops: air temperature broadly 4 to 8°C, feeling around 0 to 4°C in the wind.
Forecast models differ on summit wind strength: around 23-28 mph at walker height, with gusts 32-39 mph.
Forecast confidence
Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. A windproof layer will help, with an extra warm layer for stops.
Buffeting may affect balance on exposed ground, particularly near ridges and edges. Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud, even where forecasts agree on the wider cloud cover.
Cloud-free timing: Around 45% early, improving to around 95% later.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 9.7 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
- Early
- 2 h
- Midday
- 3.5 h
- Later
- 2.2 h
Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaConditions look exceptional, but forecast uncertainty caps the grade at 97/100. 97/100Excellent · 600 m View detailsHide details
Full overnight outlook
Open-hillside camping looks very good overall around 600 m (97/100). Light winds are expected on open ground, though local shelter and exposure still matter. Peak gusts range from about 10 mph at 300 m to 15 mph at 900 m. Little overnight rain is forecast. The coldest temperature falls from about 8.4°C at 300 m to 6.8°C at 900 m. Forecast models strongly support a good night, but not at the exceptional-certainty threshold. The grade is capped at 97/100.
Moon overnight
Waxing gibbous moon
- Illuminated disc
- 70%
- Moonrise
- 17:12 BST
- Moonset
- 00:13 next morning BST
Clear spells may allow a view of the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 20 Sep, 17:00 BST to 21 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
- Wind / gust
- 5 mph / 12 mph
- Typical / low
- 9.3°C / 8.4°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Low
- Wind / gust
- 6 mph / 14 mph
- Typical / low
- 9.3°C / 8.4°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Low
- Wind / gust
- 9 mph / 17 mph
- Typical / low
- 7.7°C / 6.8°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Low
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 6°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.
Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback
Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaGusts near 35 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. Good83/100 View detailsHide details
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Conditions for exposed scrambling look good (83/100). Rock is likely to be mostly dry, though seepage and shaded holds are not resolved. The mapped summit rock is Mudstone (Llangynog Formation). Often positive when dry, but smooth, polished or slabby sections can become markedly more slippery when damp. Gusts may reach about 35 mph. Crosswinds can make exposed ridges substantially more serious.
Often positive when dry, but smooth, polished or slabby sections can become markedly more slippery when damp. Summit-point bedrock mapping; the actual route may cross different rock, superficial deposits, polish, lichen or seepage.
Generic exposed scrambling terrain; mapped summit-point bedrock is included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaNight-sky guidance is unavailable for this night. View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night-sky guidance is unavailable for this night. This does not mean clear skies or no aurora.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
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