828 Hiking Guidance
Elevation-aware trail weather for Asheville and the WNC high peaks
Lightning nearby, avoid exposed terrain
HikerScore
33 Alert
Lightning alert

Stay off exposed ridges, balds, summits, and open slopes until the lightning signal clears.

Asheville spread10°F
Mitchell drop16°F
Peak UV5
Full hiker read

Tempest lightning may be in the vicinity of your hike. Mid Asheville reported last strike 1 - 3 mi · last detected Jun 2, 7:07 PM. Stay alert and avoid exposed ridges, balds, summits, and open slopes until the signal clears.

Updated Jun 3, 3:00 PM · 6/6 readings live
Trail choice

What this means on foot

Best betSheltered low-elevation routes only if you must go; exposed terrain is a no-go until the lightning clears.
Use careOpen ridges, balds, summits, overlooks, and pavement are the places to avoid.
Pack mindsetWater and sun protection locally; add a layer for high peaks.
Where these readings are

Elevation profile

A quick visual of the reporting sites, from lower Asheville up to Mount Mitchell. This helps explain what "high Asheville" and "high peaks" mean in the trail guidance.

Trail comparisons

What changes by route type

Mountain vs AshevilleMount Mitchell is about 16°F cooler than the Asheville-area readings.
Ridge vs ValleyNearby ridge readings show a microclimate split, so shade, slope, and exposure still matter.
Sun exposureOpen overlooks, rock, and pavement need sun awareness and steady water.
Wind checkWind is light at the reporting sites, so comfort is mostly about sun, shade, and layers.
Important hiker data

Elevation and comfort signals

Local spread10°F

Temperature range across the Asheville-area readings.

High split4°F

Difference between the two high Asheville readings.

Mitchell drop16°F

Cooling from Asheville-area readings to Mount Mitchell.

Fog riskElevated

Based on the tightest temperature/dew point spread.

Highest UV5

Peak UV reading or estimate from the reporting sites.

Peak gust10 mph

Highest gust among the reporting sites.

Station check

Current readings by elevation

As of Jun 3, 3:00pm ET