Feature: Weather fanatics come this way:
15/03/2004

If you are looking for a day out like this on the Glyderau, then check out www.metcheck.com

(Photo: Ray Wood)

This excellent weather website features an amazingly detailed mountain weather forecast and indepth weather predictions for counties throughout the UK, with 3 hourly breakdowns of temp, wind speed and direction, precipitation intensity, cloud cover % and cloud base up to a limit of two and a half days.

Since December 2003 the site has also featured a remarkable resource of altitude specific information (including the freezing level) on classic UK mountains and hill ranges. In Snowdonia there is specific data for Snowdon, Moel Eilio, Yr Aran, Glyder Fawr, Cadair Idris, Mynydd Pennant and Pen y Garn.

Each of the peak tables shows the full range of data available at 100 feet altitude variables. This is a wonderful tool for climbers and walkers heading out into the hills – particularly in winter when temperature, wind and visibility are so critical, both from a safety and enjoyment point of view.

“Over the last month or so I have been manically plotting the winter climbing conditions in North Wales via this site. It does seem to be very accurate. Climbing and walking in the mountains is so much about timing – you need to be in the right place at the right time. This website just makes it lot easier to plan your days on the hill.”

,enthused Simon Panton, Snowdonia-Active’s resident obsessive climber.

The features described above are free, but it is also possible to upgrade to a premium member for £9.95 per month – this allows you access to a whole host of fascinating weather prediction and recording features, such as surf forecasts, 100 day forecasts, and archived weather data.

Also check out: www.metoffice.com/loutdoor/mountainsafety

The Snowdonia National Park Mountain Safety forecast - a new free service for Snowdonia from the Met Office, giving mountain weather conditions, visibility, freezing level, temperature and wind speeds.

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