Weather Impact & Pacing

On mountains weather conditions can change more rapidly than one can imagine. If the forecast temperature for the day is in the mid to high 30’s then reconsider you hike or change your plans to start and finish earlier. If you are still hiking in hot conditions, then make sure you have sun protection and plenty of water. Temperature falls markedly the higher you climb. Experts estimate that the temperature can drop by 1 degree Centigrade for every 150m rise in altitude. In very dry air, the fall may be 1 degree Centigrade for 100m rise in altitude. In cloudy conditions, this may be 1 degree Centigrade per 200m. Air is usually drier and warmer on the lee side of a hill. The precise relationship between wind speed and altitude is hard to establish. In mountain areas, rain is both more frequent and heavier – local conditions and topography can have a profound effect. Rain or sleet in a valley may mean a blizzard at the top of hills.