How do I know if there's going to be a cloud inversion before I go hiking?

Check the mountain forecast for three key signs: freezing temperatures in the valley but warmer temps higher up (like 1°C at the car park but 8-10°C at 900m), wind speeds close to zero (anything over 10-15mph usually ruins it), and reports of fog in the valleys. If all three line up, you've got a good chance.

Why don't cloud inversions last very long in the UK?

Our weather is too windy. Even a light breeze of 10-15mph can mix the warm and cold air together, breaking the 'lid' that keeps the fog trapped below. We need a big high-pressure system to keep things calm, which doesn't happen often.

What does it actually feel like when you walk through a cloud inversion?

It's a sharp, dramatic change. One minute you're in cold, damp fog where you can barely see anything, then suddenly you pop out into bright sunshine and blue sky with a solid white 'sea' of cloud below you. The silence is also really striking because the cloud muffles all sound from below.

Weather The Elements

Chasing the Inversion

From valley fog to summit sun: we break down the mechanics of cloud inversions and how to time your walk perfectly.

19 July 20268 min read