Determining suitable conditions

Determining suitable weather conditions for your journey is a critical aspect of trip planning. Suitable conditions will ensure your safety and comfort during the journey. 

  1. Rainfall and Precipitation:

    • Consider the amount of rainfall or precipitation expected. Light rain might be manageable, but heavy rain can lead to slippery and unsafe trails, as well as potential flooding in river crossings. Check for the duration and intensity of rainfall.

  2. Temperature:

    • Assess the forecasted high and low temperatures for the day. Extreme heat or cold can affect your physical well-being. Dress appropriately for the expected temperatures, and be prepared for sudden temperature changes, especially in mountainous regions.

  3. Wind Speed and Direction:

    • Wind conditions can impact your tramp significantly. High winds can make walking challenging and affect your balance. Consider both the wind speed and direction, as strong winds blowing in certain directions can create wind chill or pose other risks.

  4. Visibility:

    • Poor visibility due to heavy fog, mist, or cloud cover can make navigation difficult, especially in mountainous terrain. Assess whether visibility will be sufficient for your planned activities.

  5. Terrain and Elevation:

    • Consider the specific terrain and elevation of your route. For example, if you're hiking in alpine regions, snow or ice conditions can be a concern, even in summer. Evaluate whether snow or ice will be present and whether you have the necessary equipment.

  6. Exposure and Shelter:

    • Consider how exposed your route is to the elements. An open ridge or mountaintop is more susceptible to wind and weather than a sheltered bush area. Plan accordingly and bring appropriate gear for exposed sections.

  7. River Crossings:

    • If your tramp involves river crossings, pay extra attention to the weather conditions. Rainfall in the upstream areas can lead to swift and dangerous river currents. Ensure that the weather conditions are suitable for crossing safely.

  8. Weather Trends:

    • Assess not only the forecast for a single day but also the weather trends over the course of your tramp. If you notice a trend of deteriorating weather conditions, it's essential to plan for contingencies or changes to your route.

  9. Experience Level:

    • Take into account your group's experience level. Less experienced trampers may be more vulnerable to adverse conditions, so you may need to be more conservative in your approach to weather risk.

  10. Local Knowledge:

    • If possible, seek local advice or consult with park rangers or experienced trampers in the area. They can provide valuable insights into the local weather patterns and conditions.


Filling in the table

  1. General Condition:

    • Describe the expected weather conditions for each day. Include details such as whether it will be sunny, rainy, windy, or cloudy. Mention any significant weather patterns or features.

  2. High and Low Temperatures:

    • Note the forecasted high and low temperatures for the day. This information is crucial for planning appropriate clothing and gear.

  3. Sunrise and Sunset Times:

    • Include the times for sunrise and sunset. Knowing these times is essential for planning your activities and ensuring you have enough daylight.

  4. Extreme Condition:

    • Highlight the worst-case scenario for the day's weather. Mention any severe conditions like thunderstorms, hail, or heavy cloud cover.

  5. Cancellation Point:

    • Specify the conditions that would necessitate canceling or altering your tramp. This might include specific weather warnings and wind speed thresholds. Be clear about what conditions should trigger your decision to change plans.

  6. Additional Notes:

    • If there are any special considerations for that day, such as river crossings or other route-specific concerns, provide relevant information here.


Weather planning table

 

Day before

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day after

General condition

What the normal forecast weather is.

 Light showers 

High: 21

Low: 12

Northerly winds at 19 km/h

 Showers clearing in the afternoon. Northeasterly winds. 

High: 22

Low: 11

Sunset: 1940

 Fine, light clouds.

High: 23

Low: 10

Sunrise: 0627

Sunset: 1941

 Cloudy with easterlies easing in the afternoon

High: 22

Low: 10


Sunrise: 0626

 

 Light showers, Southwesterlies

High: 21

Low: 8

Light winds

Extreme condition

The worst that the weather could get.

 Chance of thunder and hail

 Showers

 Fine

 Heavy cloud

 

 Heavy showers

Cancellation point

If the weather forecast gets to this point before, or during the journey you will call it off.

 Orange weather warning or higher. Rain exceeds 10mm.

Winds exceed 35km/h

 Orange weather warning or higher. Rain exceeds 10mm.

Winds exceed 35km/h

Change route at:  

Heavy rain watch or higher. Rain exceeds 3mm.

Winds exceed 20km/h

Cancel at: 

Orange weather warning or higher. Rain exceeds 10mm.

Winds exceed 35km/h

 

 

 Orange weather warning or higher

Additional notes

 

 

 We are doing a river crossing on this day, so there is a lower tolerance for rain. We will change the route to avoid the crossing if needed.

 

 

 


Forecasting services

The following are weather forecasting services you could use, we recommend you use at least two different services:

By cross-referencing information from multiple services, you can gain a more accurate picture of the upcoming weather, increasing your ability to make well-informed decisions

Last modified: Tuesday, 17 October 2023, 10:52 AM