North Pennines
A poor day on the tops in the North Pennines, with sleet or snow on the tops and burns likely to be in spate.
Sunshine and sky
Extensive cloud. Cloud is likely to remain extensive for much of the day.
These are direct modelled sunshine hours during daylight, not the probability of sunshine. Cloud cover and summit cloud are assessed separately in the forecast above. The regional median prevents one unusually bright or dull summit cell defining the whole area.
Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.
High-ground wind (700 m)
At around 700 m, expect an easterly wind of 20–30 mph, gusting 25–35 mph. Gusts like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop.
Walking impact
Gusts of 25–35 mph will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop.
Ground conditions
The ground is likely to be saturated after recent rain. Expect boggy paths and rapid runoff if more rain arrives.
Spate risk
High spate risk based on recent and forecast rainfall. Burns and unbridged crossings may become difficult or impassable. Timing and severity can vary between catchments. Check the peak forecast for the separate rain/runoff periods. Turn back if a crossing looks unsafe.
Rain and showers
Sleet and snow for much of the day, becoming heavier through the afternoon. Expect 10–20 mm in total, measured as melted water, so any snow would lie deeper. Rain is possible during the morning and afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall. On some hills, sleet or snow is possible on the tops, with the balance depending on temperature. Visibility may drop briefly in showers in parts of the area. Snow is forecast on some higher tops during the morning and afternoon. The air freezing level is roughly 700 to 700 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain. On some higher summits there is a risk of blizzard conditions in the afternoon, when snow and strong winds coincide. Paths and footprints can quickly disappear beneath falling and blowing snow. Snow may collect in deeper drifts in hollows, behind boulders and on slopes sheltered from the wind. Exposed ground may be scoured while nearby drifts deepen. Wind-loaded slopes can also be avalanche terrain. Check the local avalanche forecast where one is available; this is not an assessment of slope stability.
Cloud-free summits
Clear-summit estimate: about 10% early, about 10% around midday and about 10% later.
Cloud and visibility
Expect many summits to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 500–800 m mid-morning. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass. Where snow covers the ground, the sky and hillside can merge into a featureless white view, making it difficult to judge slope or direction. Do not rely on following a visible path. Avoid exposed routes if you cannot navigate safely in these conditions, and turn back before visibility deteriorates.
Temperature and wind chill
At around 700 m it will be -2 to 2°C, feeling like -8 to -4°C in the wind. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Freezing level
The freezing level is around 700–1000 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops.
Daylight
Sunrise 07:45, Sunset 16:03, about 8.3 hours daylight.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaNot a night to camp on the open hill anywhere in this area: gusts of about 40 mph and about 5 mm of rain. 19Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details
Full regional overnight outlook
Not a night to camp on the open hill anywhere in this area. Gusts reach about 40 mph around 600 m and nearer 30 mph around 300 m, which makes for a noisy, testing night even in a good tent. Check the forecast for the hill and height you have in mind, and don't assume lower ground will be sheltered. About 5 mm of rain is forecast overnight. A cold night, down to about 0°C around 600 m. The ground will be sodden after recent rain, so pick a firm, well-drained pitch.
Moon overnight
Waxing gibbous moon
- Illuminated disc
- 65%
- Moonrise
- Outside this window
- Moonset
- 00:50 next morning GMT
Cloud and terrain vary across the area. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 18 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 19 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Representative location: 54.703, -2.487. Times vary across the area.
Elevation reference (open ground)
- Wind / gust
- 22 mph / 32 mph
- Coldest
- 2.2°C
- In cloud
- 13% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Moderate
- Wind / gust
- 28 mph / 42 mph
- Coldest
- 0.5°C
- In cloud
- 20% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Moderate
The ground is likely to be very wet after recent rain. Expect boggy approaches and choose a durable pitch carefully.
Open-hillside guidance across representative hills. Local shelter, ridges, tent design and the exact pitch can change conditions substantially. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.
Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaSnow is likely to be lying on some high ground, with further snowfall possible. Wet rock is likely. Gusts near 40 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. 0Poor · Very poor View detailsHide details
Regional climbing & scrambling outlook
A broad guide to dampness and exposed rock across the area, not a forecast for every crag. Lower, sheltered crags and individual rock types may behave differently.
Conditions for exposed scrambling across the area look very poor (0/100). Rain is likely to leave rock wet. Polished slabs, vegetation and drainage lines may be notably worse. Gusts may reach about 40 mph on exposed ground, making crosswinds an important route consideration. Mapped summit-point geology across the representative hills includes sandstone or gritstone, slate or mudstone and limestone. Rock can therefore respond differently to moisture between crags and routes.
Representative summit-point samples across the region; individual crags and routes may differ.
Generic exposed hands-on-rock terrain across representative summits; mapped summit-point geology is a broad regional sample, not a named-route survey. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.
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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Weather data: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0). Adapted by Mountain Weather.
Updated 14 November 2026 at 16:37 UTC. See typical weekly and monthly conditions for North Pennines.