Mountain weather
Southwest Highlands Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
There is high confidence that cold conditions will persist, with outbreaks of snow expected over the next few days. From Sunday onward, confidence decreases regarding the position and impact of a band of rain and snow, as well as the potential for milder air to advance from the west.
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.
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.
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
Scattered snow showers, becoming drier later in the day. Very cold. Breezy on highest hills.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
40% | 40% | 30% | 20% | <05% | <05% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300m |
S
14
|
S
15
|
S
13
|
S
7
|
SE
5
|
NE
6
|
| 900m |
SW
11
|
S
12
|
S
10
|
S
6
|
SE
4
|
E
6
|
| 600m |
NW
9
|
SW
11
|
W
9
|
E
5
|
NE
4
|
NE
5
|
| 300m |
SW
3
|
SE
7
|
SE
5
|
E
3
|
E
3
|
NE
2
|
| Glen |
S
1
|
S
4
|
E
2
|
SE
2
|
NE
2
|
NE
3
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300m | 16 | 18 | 16 | 9 | 6 | 7 |
| 900m | 14 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 7 |
| 600m | 10 | 12 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| 300m | 5 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Glen | 3 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300m |
-6°
|
-6°
|
-5°
|
-5°
|
-5°
|
-5°
|
| 900m |
-6°
|
-4°
|
-3°
|
-5°
|
-8°
|
-6°
|
| 600m |
-2°
|
-1°
|
-1°
|
0°
|
-1°
|
-1°
|
| 300m |
0°
|
1°
|
1°
|
1°
|
0°
|
0°
|
| Glen |
-2°
|
1°
|
2°
|
1°
|
0°
|
0°
|
| Freezing Level |
0m
|
200m
|
200m
|
300m
|
200m
|
100m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300m |
-13°
|
-13°
|
-12°
|
-10°
|
-8°
|
-8°
|
| 900m |
-12°
|
-10°
|
-9°
|
-9°
|
-11°
|
-11°
|
| 600m |
-6°
|
-6°
|
-5°
|
-3°
|
-3°
|
-4°
|
| 300m |
-2°
|
-3°
|
-1°
|
0°
|
-2°
|
-2°
|
| Glen |
-3°
|
-1°
|
0°
|
0°
|
-2°
|
-2°
|
Additional weather information
Met Office Aberdeen meteorologist's view
A very cold day with snow and ice underfoot making for hazardous walking conditions. Visibility may be very poor at times in cloud and snow showers making navigation tricky.
Weather
Cloudy with scattered snow showers through much of the morning before turning dry with clear spells developing later. Mostly light winds but stronger on highest hills. Very cold.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
10%, 30% later.
Low cloud and visibility
Widespread low cloud with base 400-600m spreading eastwards. Cloud breaking up to give clear spells and some cloud free summits in the evening. Visibility good outside of cloud and very poor in snow showers.
Mountain weather information
Weather
A mostly dry day with sunny and clear spells. Turning cloudier in evening with scattered snow showers spreading westwards. Mostly light southeasterly winds, breezy on higher hills. Very cold.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
70%
Maximum wind speed expected
Southerly 10-15mph gusting 20-25mph.
Temperature
- At 800m Minus 4 Celsius.
- Glen Minus 1 Celsius rising to a maximum of plus 3 Celsius by day.
- Freezing level Ground frozen to all heights, freezing level rising to 200m later.
Low cloud and visibility
Some patchy low cloud with base 700-900m at times but cloud mostly above summits with clear and bright spells. Low cloud becoming more widespread in the evening. Visibility generally good but poor in any cloud.
Mountain weather information
Sat 10 Jan
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Cloudy with snow showers. Fresh to strong southeasterly winds. Very cold.
Sun 11 Jan
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Mostly dry with clear spells, the odd early wintry shower. Southeasterly winds strengthening strong to gale force. Very cold.
Mon 12 Jan
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Band of cloud, rain and snow spreads northeastwards. Strong southeasterly winds. Very cold.
Updated at:
Summit specific forecast
Mountain summit forecast map
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Key
Mountain summits
Other points of interest
Cluster of multiple stations
Including Ben Nevis, Glen Coe and the rest of Lochaber, Argyll including the Isles, Loch Lomond, Trossachs and Arran
For snow and avalanche hazard forecasts please visit Scottish Avalanche Information Service