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West Highland: latest weather
Thursday, 23 May 2013: dawn to dusk
Printable view Forecast issued: 0333 on Thursday, 23 May 2013
Overview for Thursday
Very cold air and very strong winds will mean difficult walking conditions across higher ridges and summits. Also sleet and snow showers, mostly over northern climbing areas.
| Hazards | Risk | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Blizzards | Low | Snow showers over highest tops in north will result in very temporary blizzard conditions. |
| Heavy snow | No Risk | |
| Storm force winds | Medium | Gusts to storm force possible on highest peaks of north Highlands. |
| Gales | High | Gale force northerly winds over all higher ridges and summits. |
| Severe chill effect | High | Due to combination of sub-zero temperatures over tops and very strong winds. |
| Persistent and extensive hill fog | No Risk | |
| Thunderstorms | No Risk | |
| Heavy persistent rain | No Risk | |
| Strong Sunlight | No Risk |
key to hazards and forecast content
| Dawn to 0900 | 0900 to 1200 | 1200 to 1500 | 1500 to dusk |
 Sleet showers |
Sleet showers |
Sleet showers |
Sleet showers |
| 30-50% | 30-50% | 50-70% | 50-70% |
Detailed mountain weather forecast: West Highlands
Thursday
Weather
It will be a very cold and very windy day across the West Highland area. Also rather cloudy with passing showers. The showers will be most frequent over the North Highlands and Skye and falling as snow above about 400M. Climbing areas towards Glencoe, the Arrochar Alps and the Trossachs will have lot of dry weather but still a few passing wintry showers and there will be more in the way of sunshine.
Visibility
The northerly airstream will have great clarity. This will result in excellent visibility, especially towards the south of the area with even more distant hills clearly visible. There will continue to be temporary reductions to very poor visibility as wintry showers pass by.
Hill fog
Occasional fog above 700 to 800M, especially over northern ranges, becoming more extensive near to showers. Hills south of Ben Nevis will be fog-free for much of the day.
Maximum winds above 600m
Severe gale force northern winds with average speeds of 50mph gusts 70mph but gusts 80 possible on highest peaks of the north Highlands.
Temperature
| Glens | Plus 2 Celsius at dawn, rising to 10 Celsius by early afternoon. |
| 900 m | Minus 2 Celsius. |
| Freezing level | 700M. |
Friday
Weather
A big improvement in the weather with much lighter winds. There will still be a few showers at first but they will soon die out. Then dry and bright with sunny spells developing.
Visibility
Excellent visibility with most hills in sight clearly visible.
Hill fog
Many hills fog-free but occasional fog above 800M for a time during the morning.
Maximum winds above 600m
Northerly winds will still be quite strong at dawn, average speeds of 25mph but decreasing 10mph by the afternoon.
Temperature
| Glens | Plus 3 Celsius rising to 15 Celsius in the afternoon. |
| 900 m | Plus 2 Celsius rising to plus 5 Celsius |
| Freezing level | 1100M rising to 1500M during the day. |
Outlook
Saturday
A ridge of high pressure will keep dry, settled conditions across the West Highland area. There will be sunny spells and winds staying light at all levels.
Sunday
Rather cloudy with patchy light rain, especially over hills near to the West Coast. Light winds.
Monday
Cloudy with rain becoming persistent and heavy at times with hill fog becoming extensive. Also strengthening southerly winds.
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