Hiking Weather Conditions - Analyzing Weather & Temperature

Besides the Terrain Conditions, the Weather and Temperature are very important factors that determine what you will bring on your hike and how your Hiking experience will be like. In this section, we will give you some guidelines on Weather and how to get informed about the local weather conditions and temperature.

• One of the most common mistakes is to take the weather for granted. Just because it is a bright sunny day when you leave your house does not mean that it will stay that way or that it will be nice and sunny on the locations that you are going to hike to.


• Do not make a mistake of thinking that walking is walking no matter what the weather is like. There is a big difference between hiking in clear conditions on smooth terrain and walking on the same path during a storm with the trail turned to mud. Changes in weather and terrain conditions can easily double or triple the time it takes you to reach your destination.


• Check with local authorities - this is the single most important rule before heading out. Each place has its own weather and weather changing characteristics. The conditions can change unexpectedly especially in mountainous areas and the differences in temperatures and conditions can vary greatly. Check with local authorities on the day that you head out and ask for a prediction for the duration of your trip.


• Generally speaking, the higher your altitude, the colder it will be. In average, the temperature will decrease by six degrees Celsius for every 1000 meters you gain in altitude. There are of course many circumstances that will change this rule and you should not rely on this information only. The local authorities of many hiking areas will have information about the temperature on different altitudes and locations. Some of them even have websites that will give you the information you need.


• Be on the lookout for probable signs of trouble. The following are some ways of checking for possible changes in weather or bad conditions ahead:
  
  
  • Check the clouds and the speed and direction in which they move. They are an indication of the wind speed and possible rapid changes in weather.
  
  
  • A change in the sky color and cloud accumulation is an indicator of upcoming rains.
  
  
  • A tingling sensation of your skin or the feeling that your hairs are standing up straight are indicators of an upcoming lightning.
  
  
  • Check the snowy peaks of mountain tops. If the wind speeds are high on the summits then you will see a trail of snow flowing from the summit.
  
  
  • Check your barometer (if you have any) for pressure changes and upcoming changes in weather.

Should you be caught in really bad weather then it is important that you know how to deal with some of nature's extreme conditions. We have information on some Natural Weather Hazards:

• Lightning - What to do if you are confronted with a Lightning Storm.


• Tornadoes - What to do if you are confronted with a Tornado.

Do not forget to check the weather forecast before heading out. This can give you an idea on what your hike will be like. Also, make sure you know what to do in case there are weather changes.

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