Mountain weather

Northwest Highlands

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Northwest Highlands Mountain weather forecast table

Confidence

High for the limited showers at first, then the weakening front crossing Wednesday, also for wintry showers from Thursday.

Sunrise:
Sunset:
Mountain hazards

Mountain weather hazards

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

hazard Severe chill effect
Wind significantly lowers the ‘feels-like’ temperature relative to the actual temperature, with even moderate winds significantly adding to the chilling effect. Strong winds can result in a severe and debilitating wind chill many degrees below the actual temperature. This effect will be enhanced in rain or wet snow. Without protection, prolonged exposure could result in frost nip or frostbite on exposed parts of the body and/or hypothermia.
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. Some limited showers, mainly focused in north.

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

Weather

Some light showers, scattered in north and isolated in south with a snow level around 700m. Rather cloudy with best of breaks appearing across southern ranges.

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

70% for any given time with bases generally above summits, lowering 700m in showers, but longer periods of cloud free spells quite limited due to the showery nature of the flow

Visibility

Good falling moderate or poor in showers.

Met Office Aberdeen meteorologist's view

Significant wind chill at height, also chance of some relatively strong afternoon sunshine in south.

Sunrise:
Sunset:

Mountain weather information

Weather

Limited brighter spells mixed with scattered showers at first. Band of cloud, patchy and light rain and summit snow spreading from the north late morning and early afternoon. This clears to south late afternoon and early evening, with the snow level lowering on the retreating back edge. Clear spells increasing late evening.

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

70% lowering 20% as the fronts cross the area, lowering bases to quite extensive from 450-600m.

Maximum wind speed expected

West or Northwest mean 45-50mph with gusts 65mph across most exposed ridges and summits, gradually easing from early afternoon.

Temperature

  • At 800m Minus 1C lowering minus 5C later
  • Glen Plus 2C rising 9C during the afternoon
  • Freezing level 700m lowering 400m later

Visibility

Lowering moderate or poor in showers, rain and summit snow.

Mountain weather information

Thursday 2 April

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Sunset:

Showers turning heavier and more frequent through the morning and continuing thereafter, bringing a risk of thunderstorms to northern summits. Snow level lowering to all but lowest levels.

Friday 3 April

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Sunset:

Showers, frequent and heavy at first, particularly in north, with snow to low levels. Gradually showers easing from the west with snow level lifting later.

Saturday 4 April

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Sunset:

Rather cloudy with some showers, mainly in west. Strengthening winds and lifting freezing level.

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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