Mountain weather

North Grampian Mountain weather forecast table

Confidence

High for largely dry weather to continue into next week. Low for extent of low cloud cover.

Sunrise:
Sunset:

This evening forecast

Dry with variable amounts of cloud, light winds.

Sunrise:
Sunset:
Mountain hazards

Mountain weather hazards

Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.

hazard 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

Dry and settled with some strong sunshine

00:00 03:00 06:00 09:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 21:00
Weather
(at 800m)
Partly cloudy (night) Sunny intervals Sunny intervals Sunny day Sunny intervals Sunny intervals Sunny intervals Clear night
Chance of precipitation
(at 800m)
00% 00% 00% 00% 00% 00% 00% 00%

Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
00:00 03:00 06:00 09:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 21:00
1300m NE
4
NE
3
N
5
NW
5
N
7
N
8
NE
7
SE
4
900m NE
4
NE
3
N
4
N
5
N
6
N
8
NE
8
E
4
600m NW
2
N
2
N
3
N
4
NE
5
NE
8
NE
8
E
4
300m NE
3
NE
2
N
2
N
4
N
5
N
8
NE
7
NE
5
Glen N
2
N
1
NE
2
NE
4
NE
5
NE
6
NE
5
N
2
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
00:00 03:00 06:00 09:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 21:00
1300m 6 4 7 8 11 12 11 6
900m 5 4 6 8 10 13 12 6
600m 3 2 5 6 9 12 12 6
300m 4 3 4 8 11 14 14 10
Glen 4 4 4 7 11 13 11 8

Altitude above mean sea level
00:00 03:00 06:00 09:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 21:00
1300m
10°
11°
10°
900m
10°
12°
13°
12°
10°
600m
10°
10°
12°
15°
16°
14°
12°
300m
10°
10°
10°
14°
18°
18°
17°
12°
Glen
10°
15°
19°
20°
18°
12°
Freezing Level
2,200m
2,100m
2,000m
1,900m
2,000m
2,200m
2,300m
2,200m

Altitude above mean sea level
00:00 03:00 06:00 09:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 21:00
1300m
900m
11°
12°
11°
10°
600m
10°
12°
14°
14°
13°
11°
300m
10°
10°
14°
17°
16°
15°
11°
Glen
10°
10°
14°
17°
18°
16°
11°

Additional weather information

Met Office Aberdeen meteorologist's view

Be prepared for dehydration and sunburn on long hikes

Weather

All ranges will be dry throughout the day. Some cloud at times but this above the tops.

Chance of cloud-free hill tops

90%

Low cloud and visibility

Very good visibility with good air clarity.

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Mountain weather information

Weather

Dry throughout the day. Chance of cloud down to 200 metres at first across the Monadhliath and the Moray hills but this dispersing through the morning. Otherwise some sunny periods.

Chance of cloud-free hill tops

80%

Maximum wind speed expected

Variable in direction 10 mph

Temperature

  • At 800m Plus 7 rising to 12 Celsius
  • Glen Plus 7 rising to 21 Celsius
  • Freezing level Above summits

Low cloud and visibility

Poor in cloud down to 200 metres in the north of the region at first, otherwise good visibility with any afternoon cloud above the summits

Mountain weather information

Mon 5 Jun

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Chance of early low cloud in the north and east, otherwise dry and sunny.

Tue 6 Jun

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Cloudy start in the north and east, this burning off to leave a dry afternoon with sunny spells.

Wed 7 Jun

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Little change, mainly dry with some sunshine.

Updated at:

Summit specific forecast

Mountain summit forecast map

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The North Grampian mountain weather forecast area includes much of the Cairngorms National Park which boasts five of the UK's six highest mountains and includes the largest areas of land in the UK above 2000 and 3000 feet. The Cairngorm Plateau is well-known for its extreme and very changeable weather (the strongest gust ever recorded in the UK was 173mph on Cairngorm Summit on 20th March 1986). Despite the challenging conditions, there is a diverse range of wildlife in the area including golden eagles, snow bunting and ptarmigan.   

Creag Meagaidh, to the north of Glen Spean, is where the east Highlands meet the west Highlands and is often exposed to bad weather from either direction. It is a popular area for ice climbing thanks to its vast plateau which includes five Munros (Scottish mountains over 3000 feet).

Ben Alder lies just to the west of Loch Ericht and is one of the remotest of the Munros. Approaches are long from all directions with options including a long walk or cycle from Dalwhinnie to the northeast or by taking a train to the very remote Corrour Station and walking in from the southwest.

For snow and avalanche hazard forecasts please visit Scottish Avalanche Information Service