Mountain weather
Northwest Highlands Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for unsettled weather for the next few days, but low for extent of showery weather on a daily basis.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
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.
Thunderstorms
Lightning is a significant mountain hazard which can result in serious injury or death. Mountain terrain often leaves one highly exposed to lightning strikes. Hail may give unpleasant conditions with torrential rain and localised flash flooding also possible, mainly in Summer months.
Mountain weather forecast
Low cloud in the west in the morning, widespread showers by afternoon
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
20% | 20% | 30% | 40% | 40% | 50% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m |
S
23
|
S
22
|
S
20
|
SW
22
|
SW
21
|
S
19
|
| 900m |
S
21
|
S
20
|
S
19
|
SW
21
|
SW
20
|
S
17
|
| 600m |
S
13
|
S
14
|
SW
16
|
SW
17
|
S
15
|
S
12
|
| 300m |
S
1
|
S
3
|
S
5
|
SW
7
|
SW
5
|
S
3
|
| Glen |
SE
1
|
SW
5
|
SW
9
|
SW
11
|
S
8
|
SE
2
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m | 27 | 28 | 27 | 30 | 27 | 23 |
| 900m | 24 | 25 | 25 | 29 | 25 | 22 |
| 600m | 17 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 21 | 17 |
| 300m | 13 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 19 | 14 |
| Glen | 6 | 13 | 19 | 21 | 17 | 8 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m |
8°
|
8°
|
9°
|
10°
|
8°
|
8°
|
| 900m |
9°
|
9°
|
10°
|
10°
|
9°
|
8°
|
| 600m |
11°
|
12°
|
13°
|
13°
|
11°
|
11°
|
| 300m |
12°
|
14°
|
16°
|
16°
|
14°
|
12°
|
| Glen |
15°
|
16°
|
18°
|
18°
|
16°
|
14°
|
| Freezing Level |
2,400m
|
2,400m
|
2,400m
|
2,400m
|
2,400m
|
2,300m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m |
4°
|
4°
|
6°
|
6°
|
4°
|
4°
|
| 900m |
5°
|
5°
|
7°
|
7°
|
5°
|
5°
|
| 600m |
8°
|
9°
|
10°
|
10°
|
9°
|
8°
|
| 300m |
12°
|
14°
|
15°
|
15°
|
13°
|
12°
|
| Glen |
15°
|
16°
|
17°
|
16°
|
15°
|
15°
|
Additional weather information
Met Office Aberdeen meteorologist's view
A warm day expected, risk of sunburn and dehydration on long walks
Weather
Mostly dry in the morning with some clear or sunny periods across the east. Rather cloudy across the west of the area with some low cloud and a few showers. The afternoon will see widespread showers developing, occasionally heavy with a chance of a thunderstorm. Showers lingering into the evening and may merge into some longer spells of rain.
Chance of cloud-free mountain/hill tops at 800m
90%
Visibility
Generally very good with good air clarity outside of showers. Some patchy cloud above 900 metres at times through the day. Low cloud down to 500 metres expected in the morning from An Teallach down to western Lochaber and Skye, this should clear by the end of the morning.
Mountain weather information
Weather
A rather cloudy day with scattered showers, occasionally heavy. Showers may merge into some longer spells of rain at times. Low confidence for extent of showers.
Chance of cloud-free mountain/hill tops at 800m
80%
Maximum wind speed expected
Southeasterly 15 mph
Temperature
- At 800m Plus 10 Celsius
- Glen Plus 11 rising to 18 Celsius
- Freezing level Above summits
Visibility
Generally good, but poor in low cloud down to 750 metres across the far south at times through the day. Best chance of cloud free summits in the north.
Mountain weather information
Friday 6 August
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Cloudy with scattered heavy showers, perhaps some prolonged rain for a time. Chance of a thunderstorm.
Saturday 7 August
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Little change, remaining unsettled with scattered heavy showers.
Sunday 8 August
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Unsettled conditions expected to continue into Sunday with a chance of further showers.
Updated at:
Mountain summits
Other points of interest
Cluster of multiple stations
Separated from the Grampians by the Great Glen the weather forecast area includes Wester Ross, Assynt, Sutherland, Knoydart, Torridon, Glen Affric and the Cuillin Hills on the Isle of Skye.
The area of Assynt includes some of the most remote and distinguished peaks in Scotland including Suilven, Quinag and Stac Pollaidh which stand tall and castle-like above areas of moorland and lochans. Glen Shiel and Glen Affric are characterised by dramatic steep mountain sides, lofty ridges and a high concentration of Munros (Scottish mountains over 3000 feet), making it a highly popular area for ‘Munro baggers’.
The Cuillin Hills on the Isle of Skye are among the steepest and most technically challenging mountains in the UK. There are twelve Munros including the Inaccessible Pinnacle which is the only Munro which requires rock climbing to reach its summit. There are two main ranges; the magnificent Black Cuillin (or Cuillin Ridge) and the Red Cuillin (also known as the Red Hills) which are more rounded in nature.
Torridon has some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Scotland including the classic trio of Beinn Alligin, Liathach and Beinn Eighe. The latter also includes Britain's first National Nature Reserve where you may spot golden eagles, crossbills, pine martins and wild cats on your travels.
For snow and avalanche hazard forecasts please visit Scottish Avalanche Information Service