Is this the most reliable weather forecast? Should you rely on forecasts or ignore them when planning a visit to the Yorkshire Dales? Weather here can be...complicated.
Most weather forecasts are very general, yet weather varies enormously across the Dales. My mother lives less than a mile from me, up a slight incline, and I live by the river and we can get totally different weather on some days.
You might be deterred from visiting because the weather forecast in 3 days' time shows rain or bad weather, yet a day later it can show bright sunshine. Weather changes very fast. Lately I've noticed a lot of forecasts are more pessimistic than the reality, maybe 'just in case', so we're prepared for the worst.
You do need to be careful and dress accordingly. The amazing volunteers who run organisations like Cave Rescue Organisation, Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA), and Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team often have to rescue walkers who've headed up a hill ill-equipped for changing weather.
It's worth keeping an eye on the live webcams on the North Yorkshire Council website that show the actual weather at any given moment on main roads. North Yorkshire Weather Updates North Yorkshire Weather Updates are really good at showing reality vs forecast too!
If you really want to understand weather properly then look out for Weather Stones like this one in Kettlewell (there's another in Masham) ... I love that someone took the time and trouble to do this.
*And remember... the it's the rain that helps to make our fields so green.
And there's an incredible selection of pubs, cafes and indoor attractions to enjoy in the Yorkshire Dales...