The possibility of getting hit by a storm high on a mountain is a barrel you stare down every time you start up a climb. High cirrus clouds, sometimes called mare's tails, are the classic harbinger of a storm front, usually within 12 to 24 hours. Falling or rising pressure brings wind and change. Low pressure equals instability. Of course, this is mountain weather we're talking about.
Lightning is the alpine nightmare.
Take a direct hit and you're toast. But even getting caught in a ground current from a nearby strike can stop your heart, contract your muscles to the point of snapping bones, or scald you like napalm by melting your synthetic clothing. If the rock starts buzzing or clicking a discharge may be imminent. Ball up as much as possible to reduce the distance that a current can travel through your body. Mind games Alpine climbing is full of head games and fear is at the root of every one of them.