Mountain weather
Northwest Highlands Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High confidence for settled conditions, with light winds and sunshine for many, remaining for the weekend and early next week. The main uncertainties in the forecasts are about low cloud which looks likely to affect the hills at times over the weekend. The other uncertainty is shower development.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
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.
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
A largely dry but low cloud taking some time to clear the northwest highland, particularly for coastal ranges further north.
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
10% | <05% | 10% | 10% | <05% | <05% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m |
N
7
|
N
6
|
NW
7
|
NW
8
|
NW
8
|
NW
5
|
| 900m |
N
6
|
N
6
|
NW
7
|
NW
8
|
NW
8
|
NW
4
|
| 600m |
N
5
|
N
6
|
N
7
|
N
7
|
NW
7
|
N
3
|
| 300m |
N
1
|
N
4
|
N
4
|
NW
4
|
NW
7
|
NW
4
|
| Glen |
W
2
|
W
3
|
NW
6
|
W
10
|
W
6
|
W
3
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 6 |
| 900m | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 6 |
| 600m | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 5 |
| 300m | 3 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 6 |
| Glen | 3 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 10 | 6 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m |
8°
|
7°
|
8°
|
9°
|
8°
|
6°
|
| 900m |
8°
|
8°
|
9°
|
10°
|
9°
|
7°
|
| 600m |
9°
|
10°
|
11°
|
12°
|
11°
|
8°
|
| 300m |
11°
|
12°
|
14°
|
15°
|
13°
|
10°
|
| Glen |
12°
|
14°
|
15°
|
15°
|
14°
|
12°
|
| Freezing Level |
2,300m
|
2,300m
|
2,300m
|
2,100m
|
1,700m
|
2,500m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000m |
6°
|
6°
|
7°
|
7°
|
6°
|
5°
|
| 900m |
7°
|
6°
|
7°
|
8°
|
6°
|
5°
|
| 600m |
7°
|
8°
|
9°
|
10°
|
9°
|
7°
|
| 300m |
11°
|
12°
|
14°
|
15°
|
12°
|
9°
|
| Glen |
12°
|
14°
|
15°
|
13°
|
13°
|
11°
|
Additional weather information
Met Office Aberdeen meteorologist's view
Light winds and strong sunshine at times in the east, sunshine hazy at times further north and east depending on the cloud amounts.
Weather
Low cloud will affect northwestern ranges and Skye at first, burning back towards the coasts during the morning although some lingering around the coast in the far north and around Assynt. Further south and east the cloud will soon clear and most places seeing some sunshine during the afternoon, except perhaps the hills of Caithness and Sutherland. An odd heavy slow-moving shower may be triggered further south around Glen Affric or Strathfarrar. Any showers dying out in the evening with low cloud likely to spread across the hills from the east during the evening.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
50% in the north and west where low cloud will cover the summits in the morning, closer to 70% further east and inland.
Low cloud and visibility
Lower cloud in the early morning and later in the evening is likely to spread across northern and western coast hills but will burn back for the afternoon there is a chance it will linger around the far north for much of the day with scattered layers above 500m. Further south and east most summits will clear during the morning with very good visibility. Visibility perhaps moderate or poor visibility at times for the northern hills.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Mostly dry on Sunday but cloudy around northern hills, cloud perhaps thick enough to give some drizzle at times. The best of the brighter conditions further south and east towards the Great Glen.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
60%, cloudy at times for summits further north.
Maximum wind speed expected
Northwesterly 5 mph.
Temperature
- At 800m Plus 6 rising to 11 Celsius
- Glen Plus 10 rising to 17 Celsius.
- Freezing level Above all summits.
Low cloud and visibility
Scattered or broken layers of cloud above 500-600m in the north. Further south cloud will be patchy above 700m. Visibility poor at times in the north, especially around Caithness. Good or very good in the south.
Mountain weather information
Mon 20 May
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Remaining settled for the early part of next week with plenty of sunshine and light southeasterly winds, perhaps the odd shower. Some low cloud in places but keep following the latest forecasts for details.
Tue 21 May
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Dry and bright for most but some heavy afternoon showers possible, perhaps the east more affected, winds remaining light and from a southeasterly direction.
Wed 22 May
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A dry and bright start with strengthening northwesterly winds later and perhaps more heavy afternoon showers developing.
Updated at:
Summit specific forecast
Mountain summit forecast map
Loading map…
Key
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.
For snow and avalanche hazard forecasts please visit Scottish Avalanche Information Service