What to Do If the Weather Changes During a Hike

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

Signs that the weather is about to worsen

• Clouds growing vertically by midmorning, typical of summer afternoon thunderstorms.
• A sudden increase in wind 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. Get off ridges, summits, and mountain passes immediately, and move away from survey markers, metal crosses, and isolated trees.
2. Avoid streambeds, gullies, and areas where runoff may flow.
3. Stay a few meters away from the rest of the group.
4. If you are out in the open, crouch with your feet together, on your backpack if it has no metal frame, without lying down on the ground.
5. Do not shelter under wet rock overhangs or at cave entrances.

Fog

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

Rain and cold

Put on your waterproof layer before you get wet, not afterward. The combination of wet clothing, wind, and fatigue can lead to hypothermia even in spring: intense shivering, difficulty speaking or handling objects, and apathy are warning signs. If this happens, shelter the person from the wind, replace 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.