Reading the weather before you leave

A forecast is a starting point, not a promise. In hilly country the weather at the car park and the weather at the top can differ by several degrees and a lot of wind. A short routine makes the forecast far more useful.

Check three things

Wind speed and direction, because exposed ground is much colder in a steady wind. The freezing level, which tells you whether the top will be wet or icy. And the time the rain is expected, not only whether it will come.

Look at the forecast the night before to plan, and again at the door to confirm. If the two differ a lot, take the more cautious one.

Watch the sky as well

Clouds building quickly in the afternoon, a sudden drop in temperature or a change in wind direction are all reasons to start down early. Nobody ever regretted being back at the car with daylight to spare.