The government is asking what people think about plans to divide Cumbria as a county.

It has begun a consultation to look at a number of ideas with the same aim - to reduce the number of councils to save money.

Four different ideas have been put forward to ministers.

Among them is one option is to split Cumbria into two large areas - a west authority taking in Copeland, Allerdale and Carlisle and a separate eastern area including Eden, South Lakeland and Barrow.

It's also been announced that local council elections, due to be held in May, will be postponed for a year in Cumbria while the re-organisation is being considered.

People have until the 19 April to submit their views, external.

• Temperature at 3000ft: Around 3C to 4C (37F to 39F) in the morning, before increasing to 5C to 6C (41F to 43F) in the afternoon.
• Winds: Gale-force to severe gale-force southerly to south-westerly winds, with gusts up to 70mph in the morning and early afternoon, before decreasing to around 55mph to 60mph later.
• Cloud: Staying cloudy through the day with cloud bases of 1,600ft to 2,600ft (500m to 800m), lower in places in the afternoon with cloud bases at times around 1,000ft to 2,000ft (300m to 600m).
• Weather: It will be quite a wet and windy day with persistent spells of rain, turning heavy at times.
• Visibility: Poor in the rain.

Image source, Fell Top Assessors

Zac from the Fell Top Assessors took this picture of the East face of Helvellyn showing the final bit of snow to melt.

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• Temperature at 3000ft: Around 2C to 3C (36F to 37F).
• Winds: Moderate south-westerly breezes with gusts up to 25 mph to 30 mph.
• Cloud: An overcast start to the day, with cloud bases of 330ft to 660ft (100m to 200m) resulting in areas of hill fog. Cloud will begin to clear eastwards around noon, with cloud bases lifting to 1,300ft to 2,300ft (400m to 700m). Clear skies across the fells for the afternoon, with just the odd lingering patch of cloud.
• Weather: After a dull start with the odd spot of rain, the cloud will recede to the east, leaving a dry and bright afternoon with plenty of sunshine.
• Visibility: Poor in the morning in overcast conditions, very poor in areas of hill fog. Visibility will improve as the cloud clears eastwards, becoming good in the afternoon during periods of sunshine.
• Freezing level: Above the summits.

Image source, Fell Top Assessors

Zac from the Fell Top Assessors took this picture of the remaining snow and unstable cornices on Helvellyn. He warns they're still a hazard for walkers and says to give them a wide berth.

Bringing you the latest news, travel and weather from across Cumbria from Monday 22 February to Friday 26 February 2021

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• Temperature at 3000ft: Around 0C (32F) at first, but soon rising to nearer 4C to 5C (39F to 41F).
• Winds: Gale or severe gale force southerly winds throughout the day, with gusts of up to 70 mph possible at times.
• Cloud: Overcast skies throughout the day. The cloud bases will generally be around 1,300ft to 2,000ft (400m to 600m).
• Weather: Outbreaks of rain today, some heavy, initially preceded by mountain snow above 3,000ft. The rain and strong winds will make for poor walking conditions on the fells.
• Visibility: Poor visibility for most of the day, especially above the cloud bases and during the rain.
• Freezing level: Freezing level will rise above the summits through the morning.

Image source, Fell Top Assessors

Somewhere over the rainbow.... stunning view towards Thirlmere taken by Zac from the Fell Top Assessors coming down Helvellyn.

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• Temperature at 3000ft: Around 3C (37F) at first, but soon cooling to around -1C (30F) for most of the day.
• Winds: Gale force southwesterly winds in the early morning, with gusts possibly reaching 70mph. Winds turning westerly later, continuing gale force, with gusts up to 55mph to 60mph.
• Cloud: A cloudy start to the day, turning patchier in the afternoon. The cloud bases should be around 1,000ft to 2,000ft (300m to 600m).
• Weather: A wet start to the day, with some heavy bursts of rain at times. It should turn drier for the afternoon with some brighter spells, however, the odd shower may still develop too.
• Visibility: Poor visibility through the morning and although it should improve a little later, it could remain poor at height.
• Freezing level: Freezing level will drop to around 1,600ft (500m).

Image source, Fell Top Assessors

Jon from the Fell Top Assessors captured this picture of Helvellyn's summit. The plateau shows patches of bare ground, soft snow, slush, ice and compacted hard snow. He says cornices have slumped and reduced in size but still must be avoided.

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