Northwest Highlands Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for Friday and Saturday. High for mostly dry weather developing on Sunday and early next week.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
Poor Visibility
Severe Chill Effect
Strong Sunlight
Mountain weather forecast
Cloudy start with patchy sleet and snow, drier and brighter by afternoon
06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
||||||
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
40% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% | 20% |
06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1000m |
E
11
|
S
9
|
SW
13
|
SW
20
|
SW
17
|
S
17
|
900m |
E
10
|
S
9
|
SW
13
|
SW
19
|
SW
17
|
S
16
|
600m |
E
3
|
S
6
|
SW
10
|
SW
15
|
SW
13
|
S
11
|
300m |
E
5
|
S
4
|
SW
6
|
SW
8
|
SW
5
|
S
1
|
Glen |
NE
4
|
SW
3
|
SW
6
|
SW
10
|
SW
7
|
SE
3
|
06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1000m | 15 | 11 | 17 | 26 | 22 | 21 |
900m | 14 | 11 | 17 | 26 | 21 | 20 |
600m | 6 | 8 | 15 | 21 | 18 | 15 |
300m | 10 | 6 | 15 | 21 | 16 | 12 |
Glen | 7 | 4 | 10 | 18 | 13 | 8 |
06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1000m |
-1°
|
-1°
|
0°
|
1°
|
0°
|
-1°
|
900m |
0°
|
0°
|
1°
|
2°
|
1°
|
0°
|
600m |
2°
|
2°
|
4°
|
4°
|
4°
|
2°
|
300m |
3°
|
5°
|
7°
|
8°
|
6°
|
4°
|
Glen |
5°
|
6°
|
9°
|
10°
|
9°
|
6°
|
Freezing Level |
800m
|
700m
|
800m
|
900m
|
900m
|
800m
|
06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1000m |
-6°
|
-5°
|
-5°
|
-5°
|
-6°
|
-7°
|
900m |
-5°
|
-5°
|
-4°
|
-4°
|
-5°
|
-6°
|
600m |
0°
|
-1°
|
0°
|
0°
|
-1°
|
-2°
|
300m |
1°
|
3°
|
5°
|
5°
|
5°
|
2°
|
Glen |
3°
|
6°
|
8°
|
8°
|
7°
|
5°
|
Additional weather information
Met Office Aberdeen meteorologist's view
Notable wind chill expected in the brisk higher summit winds
Weather
Cloudy for most of the morning with some patchy sleet and snow at first. This dying out through the morning to leave the rest of the day largely dry with sunny intervals this afternoon with just the odd light snow shower. However western parts of Sutherland, Wester Ross and Skye may remain cloudy until evening.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
70%, but 30% in the far west
Low cloud and visibility
Poor at first in any snow and widespread low cloud down to 400 to 700 metres. Much improved visibility with good air clarity by afternoon with patchy cloud above 850 metres. However low cloud will linger in the west of the area.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Mostly cloudy with the chance of some rain, sleet or snow showers in the morning and early afternoon. Becoming drier and brighter from the south through the afternoon.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
60%
Maximum wind speed expected
Southerly average speeds of 15 mph
Temperature
- At 800m Plus 2 Celsius
- Glen 0 rising to 10 Celsius
- Freezing level 1000 to 1200 metres
Low cloud and visibility
Mostly very good visibility outside of cloud and showers. Areas of cloud down to 750 metres as showers run through, this becoming persistent for a time from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
Mountain weather information
Sun 31 Mar
Mist and low cloud across Easter Ross at first, otherwise it will be dry and bright. Freezing level 1200 metres.
Mon 1 Apr
Low cloud across the east lifting and breaking in the morning. Otherwise dry with sunny spells. Freezing level 900 metres.
Tue 2 Apr
Dry, cold and settled with variable amounts of cloud. Freezing level 600 metres.
Summit specific forecast
Mountain summit forecast map
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