A guide to weather in Kite Country ast

As in any mountainous region, it is often very difficult to predict weather conditions with any degree of certainty. Also, the Brecon Beacons range is only some two hours' drive from the Atlantic coast and so the influences on climate are quite complex. However, it is possible to give some sort of indication of what to expect at various times of the year. A particularly good source of information is the Government Meteorological Office, known as the Met Office. You can access an up to date forecast for the Brecon Beacons from their excellent Web site. Try their specialised mountain weather forecast if you intend hiking in the hills. If you want to compare forecasts try the BBC or the hour-by-hour 3 day forecast for Pen y Fan and the Central Brecon Beacons at Met Check. Yahoo has a simple 5 day forecast too. When visiting the area, you should never walk in the hills without finding out what is coming next. If you want to compare mountain weather throughout the United Kingdom you will find plenty of good links on Chris Crocker's excellent site on Statistical Topics in Hillwalking.

In general, the sunniest months are May or June, although I have enjoyed some lovely days in the garden in September and October over the last few years. Statistically, the wettest months are from October to January, although most people can remember some pretty heavy dowpours in the Summer months as well. Wales is generally considered to be a pretty wet country and the lovely green grass and fat sheep are probably evidence of this. However, I have spent enough days in the Summer worrying about the low levels of the local rivers to cast some doubt on these claims. It would certainly be most unwise to visit Kite Country without bringing adequate, protective clothing, even in Summer. The Wye valley is particularly susceptible to flooding and roads are sometimes cut by high waters. There have been days when I have decided to give up any hope of fishing after seeing dead sheep hurtling downstream in a swollen River Towy. Thunderstorms are not particularly frequent, although I have watched some very impressive displays of lightning over the mountains from the comfort of my cottage.

Wind is often a problem for the fly fisherman and I have indicated fisheries where this is a particular problem in my Fishing section. However, this is not often the case other than in the Winter months and if it does arise you can always fish with worm or spinner in most places, if this is allowed. Do not venture into the hills when the winds are strong, as they will be much, much worse higher up.

As you would expect, temperatures in the hills of Kite Country are generally lower than at the coast, as the mean temperature decreases by some 0.5 degrees Centigrade for each 100 metres increase in height. You would not therefore expect to find balmy weather at the summit of Pen y Fan, although I have had to strip to just a T-shirt there on some days. The coldest months are usually January or February and the lowest ever temperature recorded in Wales was in the upper Wye valley near Rhayader in 1940, when it dropped to -23 degrees C. The warmest month is normally July, although you must note the term "normally"!

Despite the mountains, snow is not usually a big problem, although it can usually be expected in the hills between December and March. Difficulties are only encountered when snow is combined with strong winds, as the resulting drifts can make roads impassable. The local authorities are usually very good at gritting and clearing even the most minor roads. Much more dangerous is the risk of ice and the valley roads can be particularly treacherous in the coldest conditions. In these circumstances you would be well advised to stay off the roads late at night or early in the morning until they have warmed up.

Hill fog is a frequent occurrence and is especially hazardous to the hill walker, as the mountain tops are often quite featureless and difficult to navigate in such conditions. Be wise and do not walk in the hills when fog or low cloud are expected. The winter months can often provide the best conditions for mountain photography, when the skies are clear.

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