How to predict a Cloud Inversion: a beginners guide

As somebody who has tried and failed to see an Inversion for three years, I believe that I have finally cracked the code. These past two months, I have seen a few cloud inversions in the Lake District due to simple methods which I will now divulge.

Are you ready...?

The most useful tip is simply checking the Weather Forecast; and now before you click off this blog post, I do not mean BBC weather!

The best websites (yes, websites - not app!) is MET Office mountain weather forecast, Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS), and Mountain Forecast. This is your holy grail trio for predicting a cloud inversion.

Firstly, MET office will ask you to click the mountainous region you wish to see the weather for, simply click where you want to hike, it will take you to an overall page on the weather for your chosen region.

When looking for a potential cloud inversion, the important information on this page is:

The section on Weather (at 800m)

• This is a great way to tell if an inversion is likely if you are currently near the start of your hike. If the area of your hike is in cloud or fog, but the MET office shows a sun symbol at that 800m mark then there is potential for a cloud inversion.

  
  

• The symbol at 800m must simply be the sun by itself.

Additional Weather Information

• This is the most important section. If the weather has stated light breeze, low lying clouds, but the section which is titled 'Chance of cloud-free hill tops' is above 70%, than you might just be in for the most amazing day of your life!

  
  

• If you see information about 'low-level fog' but it contrasts with chance of cloud-free hill tops being at 70%, than your likely hood of seeing an inversion is high, as long as the temperature is controlled.

• Ensure you check the specific area of the mountain(s) you want to climb. For example. the North Lakes could be covered in cloud while the East Lakes are witnessing inversions. This can easily be done by clicking on the interactive map and selecting the specific mountain, or at least one in the same area, which will give you a more accurate and detailed weather report for the day ahead.

MWIS

MWIS is super easy to navigate, simply click the area you intend to hike, and the page will show you the main forecast through four symbols - Wind, Visibility, Precipitation, and Temperature, Sometimes there's a fifth one - Hazards.

The MWIS also has a similar sections to the MET office mountain forecast to give information on potential for clouds inversions. These three sections - 'cloud on hills?', 'chance of cloud free summits?', and 'sunshine and air clarity?', are all great to read before heading out on your walk.

Mountain Forecast

This is a worldwide weather app, so to find the weather in the area you want, simply type the mountain or the region in the search section and it will give you a detailed description of the exact weather at the mountains specific elevation. The website gives you the live weather conditions by analysing the closest weather stations in the area.

Mountain Forecast shows you the forecast, the weather map, the mountains information, climbing notes, and has a section for photos which are uploaded by the public. For cloud inversions, the most important section is the forecast.

Cloud Base:

On the forecast section, the Mountain Forecast has a great segment called 'cloud base' on their site which showcases how high or low the cloud is. This is great because it gives you an estimate on the cloud level on a specific mountain, not just the area. For example, if the weather is stating it's clear on the top of Helvellyn (a mountain in the Lake District which is 905m high) and the cloud base is also at 400m, this suggests there is potential for a cloud inversion.

As always, the weather forecasts is not 100% accurate and it's important to take information with a grain of salt.

If you are physically at the beginning of the trail, and are deciding whether to do the walk, look for conditions where colder air is trapped below a layer of warmer air (temperature inversion). Low cloud or fog in valleys paired with clear skies higher up are good indicators of this.

Social Media:

Social media groups and communities (e.g., Facebook groups) allow people to share real-time weather updates, forecasts, and sightings of cloud inversions. Outdoor enthusiasts often help each other by sharing when and where inversions are happening, making it easier for others to go and experience the event.

If you want to find real-time updates, simply type in on facebook the mountain region you want to hike (e.g., Lake District) and add 'walking' or 'hiking' on the end. Typically these groups are full of great people who showcase their current conditions in the fells. It's important to make sure they're not posting old photos or videos so check their descriptions.

As I noted earlier, sometimes the weather forecast is wrong so it's important to do your own research as well.

A few facts:

• Inversions are more likely during the winter months when it's colder.

• temperature inversions occur when warmer air traps colder air below it, so with little wind, the mountain tops can still be pleasantly warm in winter.

Mountain Safety:

Weather:

The weather is unpredictable in the mountains, and it's so important to check the weather forecasts before you head out. Ensure you have packed the correct gear and equipment, with extra layers, waters, and food in your bag.

Navigational Tools:

Make sure you are familiar with the walk and have a physical map and a reliable trail app to hand. A great one is OS maps. If you are using your phone as a map, make sure you have a charging pack with you so that your phone doesn't die.

Stay on marked trails and please don't go beyond your limits. If you have never hiked before, it's important to start low and easy with smaller or popular trails. Always tell someone your route and your expected return time. If you are running late, keep checking in with them so they understand you are safe.

Finally, there is nothing wrong with turning around, and knowing when to can save your life. Simply put, your life is much more important than seeing a cloud inversion.