Mountain weather

Northwest Highlands

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Northwest Highlands Mountain weather forecast table

Confidence

High for generally settled conditions through into the weekend but lower with regard to cloud amounts and for extent of showers from Sunday

This evening forecast

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Any heavy thundery showers in the south dying out to leave some late sunny spells but cloud increasing from the north. Light northeasterly 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 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.

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

Mountain weather forecast

Rather cloudy but mostly dry, some sunnier spells developing across the south.

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

Temperatures in the southwest my reach 22 or 23 Celsius by mid-afternoon.

Weather

Some clear spells across the far south, otherwise a mostly cloudy night with perhaps a little drizzle on northern hills. Then a mainly dry but rather cloudy day, although it will become brighter with the best of any sunnier spells developing across the south and west of the area.

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

Little chance at first, and more generally across northern and eastern hills, with periods or persistent cloud above about 300 to 450m. However chances across the south and west improving to 90% by early afternoon with cloud more occasional above 900m.

Visibility

Rather hazy under cloud and perhaps just a few kilometres in any drizzle becoming very good in the southwest by early afternoon.

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Mountain weather information

Weather

Cloud increases again through the early hours with perhaps a little drizzle on northern and eastern hills. A mostly cloudy start to the day but cloud, especially across southern and western parts, lifting and breaking to leave some good spells of afternoon sunshine.

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

Little chance at first with periods or persistent cloud above about 300m. However chances, especially across southern and western parts, improving to 90% by early afternoon with cloud more occasional above 900m.

Maximum wind speed expected

Variable, mainly easterly or northeasterly, 10mph or less

Temperature

  • At 800m Around plus 11 Celsius
  • Glen Around plus 10 Celsius at dawn rising to plus 20 or 21 Celsius by day
  • Freezing level Above the summits

Visibility

Rather hazy under cloud and perhaps just a few kilometres in any drizzle becoming very good, especially in the south and west, by early afternoon.

Mountain weather information

Saturday 15 August

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Cloudy but mainly dry start becoming brighter, especially in the south and west for the afternoon. Light winds.

Sunday 16 August

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Rather cloudy start but becoming brighter with some sunny spells developing along with the odd afternoon shower. Light mainly easterly winds.

Monday 17 August

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Rather cloudy with a few showers, these perhaps becoming heavier and more frequent later. Mainly light easterly winds.

Updated at:
Mountain weather explained

Separated from the Grampians by the Great Glen the region includes Sutherland, Ben Wyvis, Wester Ross, The Cuillin, Glen Affric, Glen Shiel and Knoydart.

The Cuillin Hills on the Isle of Skye are among the steepest mountains in the UK and include 15 peaks above 3,000 feet (900 metres). There are two main ridges; the magnificent Black Cuillins and the Red Cuillins around Loch Coruisk to the south.

Torridon has some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Scotland which includes Beinn Eighe, a long ridge with many spurs and summits, two of which are classified as Munros. Beinne Eighe also includes Britain's first ever national nature reserve where you may spot golden eagles, buzzards, pine martins and wild cats on your travels.

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

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