What to do if the weather changes during your walk

In the mountains, the weather changes quickly and almost always gives warning signs. Knowing how to read those signs and turn back in time is a more important skill than any piece of equipment.

Signs that the weather is going to worsen

• Clouds building vertically by mid-morning, typical of afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
• A sudden increase in wind speed or a change in its direction.
• A rapid drop in temperature and a feeling of dampness.
• Fog rising through the valleys and reducing visibility.

Thunderstorms

This is the most dangerous situation. If you hear thunder, the storm is already close enough to affect you.

1. Descend from ridges, summits and cols immediately, and move away from trig points, metal crosses and isolated trees.
2. Avoid watercourses, gullies and areas that could receive run-off.
3. Move a few metres away from the rest of the group.
4. If you are in the open, crouch with your feet together, on your rucksack if it has no metal frame, without lying on the ground.
5. Do not shelter beneath wet rock overhangs or in cave entrances.

Fog

In fog, it is easy to lose the path and become disorientated. Stop, check your position on the map and, if you have no clear reference points, retrace your steps. If you are in a large group, regroup and keep one another in sight at all times as you move.

Rain and cold

Put on your waterproof layer before you get wet, not afterwards. The combination of damp clothing, wind and tiredness can lead to hypothermia even in spring: intense shivering, difficulty speaking or handling objects, and apathy are warning signs. If this happens, protect the person from the wind, change their wet clothing, insulate them from the ground, give them a sugary drink if they are conscious and call 112.

Warning:Turning back is not a failure. The route will still be there next week; your safety margin will not.