Hiking above the clouds is an amazing experience to behold. A temperature inversion is not a common occurance – but if you know what conditions give rise to them it can help you plan a hike of a lifetime! Read on to learn more
WHAT ARE TEMPERATURE INVERSIONS?
Temperature inversions occur when a layer of warmer air traps cooler air below it, often creating spectacular low-lying fog or cloud layers in valleys while mountain peaks remain clear. This phenomenon is most likely to happen in the early morning hours after a cold, clear night, typically in autumn or winter when atmospheric conditions favor inversions.
HOW TO SEE TEMPERATURE INVERSIONS
To see a temperature inversion, timing and location are key. Choosing a location that offers high vantage points next to low lying points, will increase your chances of witnessing this remarkable sight. Mountainous places are best for this, especially high peaks next to low lying lakes, rivers and valleys, such as the English Lake District and Scotland.
As mentioned temperature inversions are most likley to occur also in the mornings after a cold clear night – so keep an eye on the weather forcast for the night, looking out for cold, calm, clear nghts with no wind and have a location in mind.
For the best experience, plan an early morning hike to a high viewpoints, arriving just before dawn. Watching the inversion at sunrise not only enhances the atmospheric conditions but also adds a soft, warm light to the scene, creating magical photo opportunities.
The combination of cool morning air, untouched by the warmth of the day, and high-altitude perspectives can create the sense that you’re floating above a sea of clouds.
Temperature inversions happen a lot in the Lake District, especially over bodies of water, as air evaporates from them, and valleys trap the mosit air and create a place for the air to condense and sink and create low lying fog & mist.
YOU DON’T ACTUALLY NEED TO GET THAT HIGH!
It’s quite suprising how little elevation you need to get to be above some temperature inversions. Some may think in the lakes you need to climb to the highest peaks – such as Scafell Pike or Hellvelyn – but that’s not true. In many cases – if the mist and fog is hanging around in the valleys – you’ll only need to gain 300m or so in height, and I find the more modest peaks keep you closer to the top of the inversion so it looks more impressive!
The next time you see some fog forcast and if it’s in a place where there are hills & mountains, and the conditons are right in the morning – try and get yourself up above 300m and you might just find yourself seeing one of the best sights of your life!
One of the easiest temperature inversions I seen was in the Lake District. I’d been staying in Keswick – and woke up to mist. I knew I’d be able to get above this quite easily – so I headed to Walla Crag, a modest fell at 340m and a 45 minute walk – this was the impressive view I got – with the fog hanging over Derwent Water – absolutely amazing!
I hope this blog post helps you see one of these temperature inversions for yourself!
