Mountain weather

North Grampian

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There may be weather warnings in force for the UK

North Grampian Mountain weather forecast table

Confidence

Generally high through to Friday, but low for a chance of showers on Wednesday. Increasing uncertainty on Saturday with the possibility of fronts arriving from the west to bring low cloud and some rain, but a dry day looks more likely at this stage.

This evening forecast

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Any remaining cloud disperses to give clear skies tonight. Light winds and temperatures falling away quickly after dusk. Freezing level 400m dropping to glen level.

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 hazards explained
Avalanche information for Scotland. Scottish Avalanche Information Service.

Mountain weather forecast

A cold frosty start leads to a dry day, sunniest in the morning.

Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level

Altitude above mean sea level

Altitude above mean sea level

Additional weather information

Met Office Aberdeen meteorologist's view

Freezing level higher across western ranges, reaching around 900-1000m towards Ben Alder.

Weather

Cold with a sharp frost through the early hours and around dawn. Then a largely sunny morning. Patchy cloud builds in the afternoon, with the best of the afternoon sunshine across the Northern Cairngorms and Monadhliath hills. Dry throughout. Occasional clear spells in the evening.

Chance of cloud-free mountain/hill tops at 800m

90%

Visibility

Very good or excellent with patchy cloud expected to be above the summits through daylight hours, some patchy cloud may lower onto the higher summits around Ben Alder in the evening.

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Mountain weather information

Weather

Largely clear skies overnight lead to another cold frosty start and sunny morning. Patchy cloud builds from late morning. Largely dry with just the outside chance of an afternoon shower. Patchy cloud and clear spells in the evening.

Chance of cloud-free mountain/hill tops at 800m

90% or more

Maximum wind speed expected

Light and variable.

Temperature

  • At 800m Minus 2 Celsius rising to plus 5 Celsius.
  • Glen Minus 1 Celsius rising to plus 9 Celsius
  • Freezing level Down to the glens at dawn, rising to 1100m.

Visibility

Very good

Mountain weather information

Thursday 15 April

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Dry and bright but some medium or high level cloud around. Light variable winds become a moderate southerly through the afternoon. Freezing level 600m rising to 900m by day, 400m in the evening.

Friday 16 April

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Dry and bright but rather cloudy. Moderate southerly winds. Freezing level 500m rising to 1200m

Saturday 17 April

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Most likely remaining dry, some bright or sunny spells, but rather cloudy. Moderate to fresh southerly winds. Freezing level around 1200m falling to 700-800m.

Updated at:
Mountain weather explained

Includes the northern and western Cairngorms National Park, Monadhliath, Ben Alder, Creag Meagaidh, Loch Ericht and Loch Rannoch.

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

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