Click a region to visit source MWIS report - Thu 29th Oct 26 at 4:30PM.
Watch the video 27th 7.04pm
Planning Outlook (27/10/26)
A change of month and a change of weather-type bringing the potential for inversion patterns on the mountains into early November.
'Planning Outlook' Thu 29th Oct 26 at 4:30PM
High pressure will dominate the weather pattern through into the start of November bringing settled conditions. Broadly dry for a week or so, but some areas of misty dampness and regular fog on low ground, whilst many hills would be in the clear above an inversion, particularly in Scotland next week.
Overnight frost in glens will be common, plus some frost pockets for sheltered high terrain, whilst many summits will stay often just above freezing point.
Light winds for several days into next week for Scotland, but stronger easterlies are likely for England and particularly Wales which would push cloud banks higher up here during the week ahead.
Looking forward to the hills? Here is an easy way to check expected conditions. The grid shows the worst summit conditions over the next few days (from Thu 29th Oct 26 at 4:30PM).
The hazard grid is compiled from the detailed text forecasts published by the MWIS. The individual grid colours ('hazard levels') are calculated from their wind and temperature forecasts, and explained below. Temperature is typically the peak wind chill (or the overnight low). Wind speed is for gusts. Tapping any region will take you straight to the original report from the MWIS.
This is a minimalist website, designed for the smallest mobiles. With low bandwidth, it should load under marginal conditions.
In poor signal areas, texts can get through when voice cannot. You can contact Mountain Rescue by 999 SMS texts, if you register.
A mountain weather hazard level is calculated from
peak wind speed (mph) and lowest temperature (C).
# LEVEL 5 : EXTREME DANGER
Blown over / Instant Frostbite Risk
if peak_wind >= 55 or min_temp <= -15:
the answer is 5
# LEVEL 4 : ARDUOUS & SEVERE
Strenuous walking / Severe Wind Chill
if peak_wind >= 40 or min_temp <= -5:
the answer is 4
# if BOTH are borderline, bump it up to a 5
if peak_wind >= 35 AND min_temp <= -2:
the answer is 5
# LEVEL 3 : CHALLENGING / PROGRESS IMPEDED
Buffeting on ridges / Freezing conditions
if peak_wind >= 25 or min_temp <= 0:
the answer is 3
# LEVEL 2 : MODERATE
Noticeable breeze / Cool air
if peak_wind >= 15 or min_temp <= 5:
the answer is 2
# LEVEL 1 : LOW RISK
Comfortable walking conditions
if none of the above:
the answer is 1
The Human Body Only Cares About Wind Chill.
The custom hazard level, in the grid above, relies heavily on wind chill temperatures rather than just the actual air temperature.
Static air temperature only tells you how cold it is for inert objects. For a human being, moving air strips away the microscopic layer of warm air trapped next to our skin. A summit that is 2C on paper will feel like -10C to our body in a 40 mph gale. The wind chill value reflects the speed at which we lose body heat - hypothermia thresholds are tied to wind chill.
Also keep in mind, valley or sea-level wind speeds usually double or triple on a mountain summit. Additionally, geographical features like narrow ridges, saddles (cols), and deep valleys act as natural funnels, accelerating a manageable 25 mph wind into a dangerous 50+ mph gale.