Mountain weather
Northwest Highlands Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High confidence in overall weather pattern but low confidence in any detail of cloud and outbreaks of rain on Sunday and Monday.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
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.
Gales
Gale force winds (gusts over 50mph) make walking difficult and strenuous with a potential to be blown over by gusts. There is often a marked increase in winds through cols or on exposed ridges and summits. Distances can take longer to cover and compass bearings become harder to follow accurately.
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.
Mountain weather forecast
A dry and sunny day. Cold. Strong to gale force winds later.
| 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 |
S
9
|
S
17
|
SW
20
|
SW
26
|
S
26
|
S
37
|
| 900m |
S
9
|
S
17
|
SW
19
|
SW
25
|
S
23
|
S
35
|
| 600m |
S
8
|
S
9
|
SW
15
|
SW
19
|
S
14
|
S
21
|
| 300m |
SW
1
|
S
2
|
SW
7
|
SW
10
|
S
3
|
S
3
|
| Glen |
E
4
|
SE
2
|
S
9
|
SW
11
|
SW
7
|
SE
4
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m | 11 | 23 | 25 | 33 | 31 | 46 |
| 900m | 11 | 22 | 24 | 33 | 28 | 44 |
| 600m | 10 | 14 | 20 | 27 | 22 | 30 |
| 300m | 6 | 12 | 19 | 24 | 18 | 24 |
| Glen | 5 | 6 | 16 | 21 | 15 | 15 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m |
-2°
|
-3°
|
-2°
|
-1°
|
-2°
|
-1°
|
| 900m |
-2°
|
-2°
|
-1°
|
0°
|
-1°
|
0°
|
| 600m |
0°
|
0°
|
2°
|
3°
|
2°
|
2°
|
| 300m |
0°
|
2°
|
5°
|
6°
|
4°
|
3°
|
| Glen |
3°
|
4°
|
8°
|
8°
|
6°
|
6°
|
| Freezing Level |
300m
|
400m
|
500m
|
600m
|
600m
|
600m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m |
-7°
|
-10°
|
-9°
|
-9°
|
-9°
|
-10°
|
| 900m |
-6°
|
-8°
|
-8°
|
-8°
|
-8°
|
-9°
|
| 600m |
-4°
|
-4°
|
-4°
|
-3°
|
-4°
|
-4°
|
| 300m |
-1°
|
1°
|
3°
|
3°
|
2°
|
2°
|
| Glen |
1°
|
3°
|
5°
|
6°
|
4°
|
4°
|
Additional weather information
Met Office Aberdeen meteorologist's view
A fine and sunny day, although still feeling cold so warm clothing needed. Care should be taken on higher routes later as winds strengthen.
Weather
A dry day with largely clear skies and plenty of sunshine. Turning a little cloudier in the evening. Winds becoming strong later in the day with a risk of gales over higher routes. Feeling cold.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
100%.
Low cloud and visibility
No low cloud expected and excellent visibility.
Mountain weather information
Weather
A largely dry day and mostly cloudy with bright and sunny intervals. Rain possible in the far west, especially over Skye. Strong to gale force southerly winds. Feeling cold.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
70%.
Maximum wind speed expected
Southwesterly 35-40mph gusting 45-55mph.
Temperature
- At 800m Minus 1C rising to plus 4C.
- Glen Plus 3C rising to 10C.
- Freezing level 500m rising to above summits later.
Low cloud and visibility
Occasional low cloud with base 600-800m, but still a good chance for cloud free summits. Visibility very good outside of any cloud, poor in cloud and any rain.
Mountain weather information
Sun 8 Mar
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Largely dry morning with variable cloud and some sunny intervals. Cloudier later with rain at times. Strong to gale force southerly winds. Freezing level above summits.
Mon 9 Mar
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A mostly cloudy day with some rain. Fresh to strong southwesterly winds. Freezing level above summits becoming 800m.
Tue 10 Mar
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Cloudy with a band of rain spreading eastwards. Strong to gale force southerly winds. Freezing level 800m rising above summits.
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