Mountain weather
South Grampian and Southeast Highlands Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for the general story with very unsettled, windy and cold conditions in the mountains on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lower for details on Thursday and Friday.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
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.
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.
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
Mainly dry and bright. Some rain spreading east later. Cold and breezy on the summits.
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
<05% | <05% | <05% | 10% | 40% | 70% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1100m |
W
22
|
W
21
|
W
20
|
W
21
|
SW
26
|
SW
27
|
| 900m |
W
16
|
W
18
|
W
17
|
W
18
|
SW
18
|
SW
19
|
| 600m |
W
12
|
W
15
|
W
14
|
W
14
|
SW
13
|
SW
13
|
| 300m |
W
5
|
W
6
|
W
10
|
W
12
|
SW
7
|
SW
8
|
| Glen |
W
5
|
W
7
|
W
11
|
W
10
|
SW
6
|
SW
8
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1100m | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 33 | 34 |
| 900m | 20 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 |
| 600m | 17 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| 300m | 14 | 13 | 19 | 24 | 15 | 18 |
| Glen | 13 | 14 | 21 | 20 | 12 | 18 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1100m |
1°
|
2°
|
4°
|
4°
|
3°
|
4°
|
| 900m |
4°
|
5°
|
6°
|
6°
|
5°
|
5°
|
| 600m |
6°
|
8°
|
9°
|
9°
|
8°
|
8°
|
| 300m |
8°
|
11°
|
13°
|
12°
|
10°
|
10°
|
| Glen |
8°
|
11°
|
14°
|
13°
|
12°
|
10°
|
| Freezing Level |
1,200m
|
1,400m
|
1,500m
|
1,500m
|
1,900m
|
1,900m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1100m |
-5°
|
-4°
|
-1°
|
-2°
|
-3°
|
-2°
|
| 900m |
-2°
|
0°
|
2°
|
2°
|
1°
|
1°
|
| 600m |
2°
|
4°
|
6°
|
6°
|
4°
|
4°
|
| 300m |
7°
|
9°
|
11°
|
10°
|
9°
|
8°
|
| Glen |
7°
|
10°
|
12°
|
11°
|
11°
|
9°
|
Additional weather information
Met Office Aberdeen meteorologist's view
A lot colder in the mountains than of late. Note that temperatures will feel sub-zero on the tops in the fresh breeze.
Weather
A mostly dry day with sunny spells but turning cloudier in the afternoon. Outbreaks of rain spreading eastwards from late afternoon, reaching Aberdeenshire and Angus in the evening.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
90% becoming 30% in the evening.
Low cloud and visibility
Mainly excellent visibility through the morning and afternoon. Becoming poor at times late afternoon and evening as rain spreads east with areas of cloud and fog developing above 700 or 800m.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Periods of heavy rain overnight and to start the morning with thunder possible. This soon clearing to sunny intervals and blustery showers, turning to snow above 800m. Also a risk of hail and thunder. Very cold and windy conditions so feeling more like winter in the mountains.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
30% becoming 70%.
Maximum wind speed expected
West or Northwest 35 to 45mph gusts 60mph.
Temperature
- At 800m Plus 5C falling to 2C.
- Glen Plus 9 or 10C.
- Freezing level 1200m falling to 900m.
Low cloud and visibility
Areas of low cloud and fog above 700m at first. Then visibility becoming mainly good, occasionally poor in showers with patchy cloud above 600m.
Mountain weather information
Wed 11 Sep
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Another cold and windy day. Bright intervals and blustery showers, wintry above 800m. Strong northwesterly winds with gusts of 40 to 50mph. Freezing level 900-1100m.
Thu 12 Sep
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Sunny spells and scattered showers, wintry above 800m. Strong northwesterly winds becoming much lighter.
Fri 13 Sep
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Cold start with a touch of frost, then dry and bright with light winds. A small chance of some wet and windy weather in the evening.
Updated at:
Summit specific forecast
Mountain summit forecast map
Loading map…
Key
Mountain summits
Other points of interest
Cluster of multiple stations
Including South and East Cairngorms National Park, Aberdeenshire and Angus Hills, Ben Vrackie, Ben Lawers, Loch Tay and Ochils
For snow and avalanche hazard forecasts please visit Scottish Avalanche Information Service