Peak District
Wednesday 2 September 2026 · The Dark Peak and higher moors
Why: Thunderstorm timing is inherently uncertain and may shift by several hours.
Thunderstorms are the main concern, especially on exposed summits and ridges. A noticeable southwesterly breeze and Persistent rain.
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.
High-ground wind (500 m)
Southwesterly around 20 mph at 500 m. Gusts reaching around 30 mph at 500 m, with locally higher values possible on the most exposed tops. Little overall change through the day.
Walking impact
Noticeable on exposed ground, but unlikely to impede most walking.
Thunderstorms
A moderate thunderstorm risk is indicated from around midday into the evening. Avoid committing to exposed summits or ridges while storms are building or nearby.
Spate risk
High spate risk based on forecast rainfall. Burns and unbridged crossings may become difficult or impassable. Crossing risk is expected throughout the day, continuing overnight and easing after around 04:00 the following morning. Turn back if a crossing looks unsafe.
Rain and showers
Persistent rain for much of the day. Forecast models disagree on when the rain may arrive.
Cloud-free summits
Around 40%.
Cloud and visibility
Cloud bases mostly around 400-800 m. Cloud bases are likely to remain high, but some forecast models are much cloudier, so more extensive summit cloud remains a credible outcome. Cloud is likely to come and go on the higher summits; breaks may be useful but not dependable.
Temperature and wind chill
Around 12°C at 500 m, feeling like 8°C in the wind.
Freezing level
Above the summits.
Daylight
Sunrise 06:17 — Sunset 19:55 — about 13.6 hours daylight.
Overnight · 6 p.m.–9 a.m.Wild campingBetaThunder risk is around 38% in parts of the area; avoid exposed pitches if storms develop. 36/100Poor · 300 m View detailsHide details
Full regional overnight outlook
Across representative hills, open-hillside camping looks poor around 300 m (36/100). A wet night is likely, with around 7 mm indicated between pitching and packing up.
Elevation reference (open ground)
- Wind / gust
- 17 / 28 mph
- Coldest
- 13.2°C
- In cloud
- Unlikely
- Condensation
- High
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 & scramblingBetaThunder risk is around 38% in parts of the area; exposed scrambling may be a poor choice. 0/100Poor · Very poor View detailsHide details
Full regional climbing & scrambling outlook
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 30 mph on exposed ground, making crosswinds an important route consideration. Mapped summit-point geology across the representative hills includes sandstone or gritstone; moisture response can therefore vary substantially 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.
Updated 1 September 2026 at 15:33 UTC. See typical weekly and monthly conditions for Peak District.