Mountain weather
Northwest Highlands Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High confidence for a change in wind direction bringing cloudier and cooler conditions to the west coast for Sunday.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
Strong Sunlight
Harmful UV levels from sunlight increase with altitude giving a greater risk of sunburn and eye damage, even on some overcast days. On breezy days, the cooling effect of wind on exposed skin may disguise any feeling of sunburn until it is too late. If there is snow cover, glare increases the effect of UV rays especially on the eyes. It is advisable to wear sun block, protective clothing such as a long-sleeved top and hat and have good quality eye protection.
Severe Chill Effect
Wind significantly lowers the ‘feels-like’ temperature relative to the actual temperature, with even moderate winds significantly adding to the chilling effect. Strong winds can result in a severe and debilitating wind chill many degrees below the actual temperature. This effect will be enhanced in rain or wet snow. Without protection, prolonged exposure could result in frost nip or frostbite on exposed parts of the body and/or hypothermia.
Poor Visibility
Poor visibility presents challenging route finding conditions. Visibility could be significantly less than 50 metres in all directions with few or no visual references, especially on featureless moors or plateaux. Distances become hard to judge and cliff or cornice edges can be difficult to recognise. These conditions require good navigational skills. There is a risk of white-out conditions when mist or fog is combined with extensive snow cover.
Mountain weather forecast
Misty low cloud clearing in the east. Sunny, clear and warm on west coast.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
00% | 00% | 00% | 00% | 00% | 00% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m |
N
5
|
E
10
|
E
11
|
SE
14
|
E
17
|
SE
17
|
| 900m |
N
4
|
E
10
|
E
11
|
SE
14
|
E
18
|
SE
17
|
| 600m |
N
3
|
E
8
|
E
9
|
SE
12
|
SE
16
|
SE
14
|
| 300m |
E
1
|
E
7
|
E
8
|
E
8
|
E
8
|
E
6
|
| Glen |
E
1
|
E
2
|
E
8
|
E
9
|
E
12
|
E
10
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m | 6 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 23 | 22 |
| 900m | 5 | 13 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 22 |
| 600m | 4 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 22 | 18 |
| 300m | 3 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 18 | 15 |
| Glen | 2 | 5 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 15 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m |
6°
|
3°
|
4°
|
6°
|
3°
|
3°
|
| 900m |
6°
|
4°
|
5°
|
6°
|
4°
|
4°
|
| 600m |
7°
|
7°
|
9°
|
10°
|
7°
|
6°
|
| 300m |
5°
|
9°
|
12°
|
13°
|
10°
|
6°
|
| Glen |
6°
|
12°
|
15°
|
16°
|
14°
|
10°
|
| Freezing Level |
1,300m
|
1,900m
|
1,900m
|
1,600m
|
1,400m
|
1,500m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m |
4°
|
-1°
|
1°
|
2°
|
-2°
|
-2°
|
| 900m |
5°
|
0°
|
2°
|
3°
|
-1°
|
-2°
|
| 600m |
6°
|
4°
|
6°
|
7°
|
4°
|
2°
|
| 300m |
4°
|
7°
|
10°
|
12°
|
8°
|
3°
|
| Glen |
6°
|
11°
|
14°
|
14°
|
11°
|
8°
|
Additional weather information
Met Office Aberdeen meteorologist's view
Still rather chilly on tops, but becoming warm again in glens during the afternoon. Strong sunshine with Mod-High UV levels.
Weather
Mist and low cloud in the east will gradually lift and break up through the morning. For much of the west coast it will remain dry and sunny throughout. Light winds at all levels.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
>95% for Torridon and Skye. 20% rising to 70% for Ben Wyvis.
Low cloud and visibility
Low cloud first thing in the east around 600-800m will break up and lift above most summits into the afternoon. Meanwhile the west coast will be largely clear with very good visibility throughout.
Mountain weather information
Weather
A cooler, cloudier day than Saturday with a few light showery outbreaks of rain. Best of the brighter spells will be in the morning across eastern areas.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
40%, best chances in the east.
Maximum wind speed expected
Mean speeds 10-15mph on summits and ridges.
Temperature
- At 800m Plus 6 rising to 8 Celsius.
- Glen Plus 7 rising to 13 Celsius.
- Freezing level Above summits.
Low cloud and visibility
Fairly extensive cloud bases shrouding summits at around 900-1000m. Visibility will be generally good, but occasionally deteriorating in any light rain.
Mountain weather information
Mon 27 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Rather cloudy start but brighter spells and risk of a few showers in the afternoon. Gentle to moderate winds.
Tue 28 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Dry and settled with light winds and some good sunny spells developing.
Wed 29 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Another dry and settled day with some sunshine after early mist clears. Light winds.
Updated at:
Summit specific forecast
Mountain summit forecast map
Loading map…
Key
Mountain summits
Other points of interest
Cluster of multiple stations
Separated from the Grampians by the Great Glen the weather forecast area includes Wester Ross, Assynt, Sutherland, Knoydart, Torridon, Glen Affric and the Cuillin Hills on the Isle of Skye.
For snow and avalanche hazard forecasts please visit Scottish Avalanche Information Service