Dolomites Weather Report. To know how the weather will evolve in the coming hours and in the next few days, click on the blue button.
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The importance of weather in the mountains
Numerous accidents in the mountains occur due to adverse weather conditions. For this reason, having a basic understanding of mountain meteorology is crucial.
It is a good habit to consult weather reports even for a peaceful walk in the woods or on the green alpine meadows, but it is even more critical when facing challenging climbs or via Ferrata. In the mountains, short-term forecasts are generally more reliable than long-term forecasts. Webcams, tools that are becoming increasingly widespread, give us other useful real-time indications.
However, we all know that the weather in the mountains can change rapidly and abruptly, especially in summer. Therefore, we should not blindly rely on weather reports; some basic knowledge of mountain meteorology is essential for anyone who spends time in the mountains.
For hikers, climbers, and via ferrata users, weather awareness is an essential part of mountain safety.
The following section is meant to provide some basic principles of mountain meteorology, but it cannot replace a good book on the subject. However, some warning signs can be well interpreted, and that is useful to know.
How to tell if the weather is changing
When it comes to the weather in the Dolomites, some basic signs indicate when it is changing. When medium or large cumulus clouds form in the sky, with developed protuberances in a vertical sense (typical cauliflower-shaped clouds), and maybe the day in the valley is hot and humid, it is almost certain that a thunderstorm will arrive in the following hours.
Also, the presence of small and harmless cumulus clouds (the classic fluffy clouds that only develop around noon and in the afternoon on stable weather days and are then called “fair weather cumulus”) at the beginning or in the middle of the morning can be a sign that the weather may deteriorate in the next few hours.
Sudden gusts of wind are also a sign not to be ignored, and it is good practice to keep an eye on the sky. However, it may also happen that we cannot perceive these signs. Perhaps we are climbing a wall exposed to the south, which precludes us from seeing the north-facing slope on the opposite side of the mountain.
Dolomites weather: thunderstorms and lightning in the mountains
If lightning and/or thunder occur, the motto is “If you can see it, hurry up; if you can hear it, run.” Lightning can be visible from tens of kilometers away, while thunder can only be heard up to a few kilometers, indicating the approach of a thunderstorm.
The time interval between a lightning flash and a thunder rumble provides a measure of how close the thunderstorm is. An interval of 3 seconds between a flash and thunder indicates that the thunderstorm is approximately 1000 meters away.
Suppose you are interested in learning more about this phenomenon and the importance of being informed about the weather in the Dolomites. In that case, this website has a page dedicated to thunderstorms and lightning in the mountains.
Now, let’s move on to the clouds. The shape of the clouds is a parameter to consider when interpreting the evolution of weather conditions.
Observing the sky and clouds
| SHAPE OF CLOUDS | MEANING |
|---|---|
| High and isolated clouds | Stability |
| Unaggregated clouds | Not dangerous |
| Aggregated clouds | Worsening |
| Cirrus - hooked - coming from the southwest | Imminent precipitation |
| Cirrus coming from the northeast and northwest | Stable, cold and clear weather |
| Cumulus clouds evolving during the day | Stability, good weather |
| Cumulus clouds evolving rapidly | Possible development of a thunderstorm |
| Cumulus clouds that do not disappear in the evening and aggregate | Weather is worsening |
| The Altocumulus_castellanus clouds | Atmospheric turbulence, possible thunderstorms |
| Altocumulus clouds that aggregate to form the so-called "sheepback" sky | Possible imminent rainfall, especially during the summer |
The atmospheric pressure
Air has its weight, and therefore, the pressure it exerts on the surface of our planet can be measured. Without going into detail, it is enough to know that high pressure indicates good weather while low pressure corresponds to worse weather. Atmospheric pressure is inversely proportional to the temperature of the air; in fact, it decreases with increasing temperature because heating causes expansion and a consequent decrease in atmospheric density. Conversely, when air cools, density and atmospheric pressure increase. Sudden variations in pressure values indicate an imminent change in weather conditions. Generally, an increase in pressure indicates an improvement in weather conditions, while a decrease in pressure can signal a future worsening.
Barometric altimeter and meteorology
The barometric altimeter is a useful tool based on atmospheric pressure. It can provide valuable information on atmospheric pressure and impending weather changes, in addition to data related to altitude above sea level. Suppose we stop at a certain altitude for a sufficiently long time (e.g., overnight in a mountain hut) and the altimeter indicates a significant change in altitude. In that case, there is very likely a change in the weather because the apparent change in altitude is actually due to a change in atmospheric pressure.
In particular:
- When the altimeter indicates a lower altitude than the actual altitude, there is high pressure, and the weather will improve.
- Conversely, if the altitude has increased, there will be low pressure, and the weather will worsen.
Another example: if you reach a summit after a hike and the altitude indicated by the altimeter is higher than the actual altitude, it means that the atmospheric pressure is low, which could worsen the weather. If, on the other hand, the indicated altitude is lower than the actual one, then the pressure is high, and some atmospheric stability can be expected.
Note: An altimeter that relies on a satellite navigation system will not help assess potential changes in weather. I am referring primarily to altimeters inserted in many watches based on position (GPS).
Dolomites weather and mountain safety
Mountain weather should never be considered a background detail. In the Dolomites, weather conditions strongly influence route choice, timing, and overall safety. Understanding clouds, pressure changes, and early warning signs does not mean predicting the weather with certainty, but it helps you recognize when conditions are changing and when it is time to turn back or adapt your plans.
For hikers, climbers, and via ferrata users, weather awareness is an essential part of mountain safety: most serious incidents happen not because of lack of strength or technique, but because decisions were made too late.