West Highlands mountain area forecast
Forecast issued: 0333 on Friday, 10 February 2012
Overview for Friday
Generally cloudy across Scotland with outbreaks of rain, mainly across western ranges, with the best of any bright or sunny spells across the northern Cairngorms, Caithness and eastern Sutherland.
Hazards
High risk of Gales: Southwesterly winds expected to gust to around 60mph over ridges and summits in the north.
High risk of Persistent extensive hill fog: Persistent hill fog possible especially in rain across more southern and western hills.
Low risk of Severe chill effect: Occasionally strong winds with temperatures slightly above freezing.
No risk of Blizzards; Heavy snow; Storm force winds; Thunderstorms; Heavy persistent rain; Strong sunlight;
Weather summary and probability of precipitation for Friday
| Dawn to 0900 |  |
Light rain | 60% chance of precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0900 to 1200 | |
Light rain | 60% chance of precipitation |
| 1200 to 1500 | |
Light rain | 70% chance of precipitation |
| 1500 to dusk | |
Light rain | 70% chance of precipitation |
Detailed mountain weather forecast
Friday
Weather
A misty start to a rather cloudy day with a little light rain and drizzle, more especially across Lochaber, Argyll and the Trossachs and during the afternoon the western northwest Highlands. However across the hills of Caithness and eastern Sutherland it will be mostly dry with some sunny spells around. A thaw will continue at all levels.
Visibility
Moderate or good but poor at times in mist and patchy rain and drizzle, offering only limited views of surrounding hills.
Hill fog
Periods or persistent above 600m lowering to above 300m at times, especially at first and in association with precipitation, and occasionally 150m over ranges close to the west coast. However across the Caithness and eastern Sutherland hill fog is expected to become occasional above 900m at times.
Maximum winds above 600m
Southwesterly around 40mph, with gusts 60mph over ridges and summits, in the far north but elsewhere southerly at 25 to 30mph, with gusts around 45mph over ridges and summits.
Temperature
Glens: Plus 1 Celsius rising to plus 7 Celsius.
900 m: Plus 4 Celsius.
Freezing level: Above the summits
Saturday
Weather
Another rather cloudy day with patchy rain at times, once again most likely across Lochaber, Argyll and the Trossachs. Some brighter conditions possible across Caithness and Sutherland more especially through the morning.
Visibility
Moderate or good falling poor at times in early mist and rain.
Hill fog
Periods or persistent, perhaps occasional at times across the north, above 600m but lowering to above 300m at first and in association with precipitation, and perhaps 150m for western coastal ranges.
Maximum winds above 600m
Mainly southwesterly at 15mph or less.
Temperature
Glens: Plus 1 Celsius rising to plus 8 Celsius
900 m: Plus 3 Celsius
Freezing level: Above the summits.
Outlook
Sunday
Another largely cloudy day again with some patchy rain around, perhaps a little snow on the summits. However for Caithness and hills towards the Great Glen it should become brighter during the day as the southwesterly breeze strengthens. Freezing level around 900m
Monday
Overnight cloud and rain soon clearing then sunny spells and blustery showers, these turning increasingly to snow and heavy at times bringing the risk of temporary blizzards across the far north. Gale, perhaps severe gale force, northwesterly winds. Around 1000m at first falling to 300m by dusk.
Tuesday
Cold with sunny spells and snow showers, the showers most frequent across the northern Northwest Highlands with Argyll and the Trossachs largely dry. Strong to gale force northerly winds. Freezing level around 300m.
