A new mountain area weather forecast for the Yorkshire Dales will provide hill walkers with clearer information to help keep them safer, whilst making the most of the spectacular countryside.

For the first time Met Office forecasts will be provided for the Yorkshire Dales National Park in addition to comprehensive forecasts already provided for the Brecon Beacons, Peak District, Snowdonia, Lake District, and West and East Highlands.

The forecasts include a colour coded hazards forecast to highlight key risks on the mountains, details on the risk of precipitation, and the latest synoptic chart. The forecasts will be updated twice a day to give users the latest information on the expected conditions in the mountains.

Mark Allum, Access Projects Officer at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said “The Yorkshire Dales is a fantastic area for outdoor activities; and whether you are a hill walker, caver or mountain biker an accurate forecast is a critical piece of information. The weather in the Dales is often very different to what is happening in Leeds or York, so this specific mountain weather forecast is very welcome.”

Pat Boyle, Public Weather Service Manager at the Met Office, said: “The weather in the Dales can change with little or no warning and an unprepared walker can quickly find themselves at risk. Whether it’s a well-planned expedition or a spur of the moment decision to go to the hills, it is important to check the forecast first”.