The Northwest Highlands
Areas north from Knoydart in the west, and the Great Glen towards the east (NB. Does not include Mull and areas west of Loch Linnhe, these are found in the West Highlands forecast.)
Today's Forecast
Gale force, walking arduous
Considerable buffeting, walking into the wind will be strenuous on exposed terrain, stronger gusts may knock you off your feet. 40 to 55mph.
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Chilly
Air temperature near or just above freezing on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
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Gale force, walking arduous
Considerable buffeting, walking into the wind will be strenuous on exposed terrain, stronger gusts may knock you off your feet. 40 to 55mph.
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Chilly
Air temperature near or just above freezing on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Saturday 22nd February 2025
Last updated
Fri 21st Feb 25 at
4:30PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Windy over the mountains, up to gale force higher Scottish tops particularly northwest, but a relative improvement compared to Friday and Sunday. Rain most frequent near Skye, patchy light showers elsewhere. Cloud often capping western tops, higher bases and some breaks eastwards. Near freezing on highest summits.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Windy, gales high tops. Showery rain, lowest cloud west.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly 35-45mph, generally strongest near/north of Ullapool, up to 55mph early morning.
Effect of the wind on you?
Walking strenuous, at times arduous. You may be blown over in highest gusts in north. Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Showers, rain most frequent west
Fairly persistent rain onto Skye, becoming more intermittent during afternoon. Occasional light showers elsewhere spreading inland from west; sleet or snow above 1000m. Often dry further north and east.
Cloud on the hills?
Foggy Skye, patchy or clearing north/east
Cloud banks quite persistent Skye and Torridon, bases often near 700m. More patchy along the west coast further north, varied in and out of showers around 700-900m. Intermittently clear higher up east.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30% west coast, 50% inland/east.
Sunshine and air clarity?
Patchy or intermittent sun, best near Great Glen. Good visibility out of rain, excellent east.
How Cold? (at 900m)
2C. Feeling like -10C in the wind.
Freezing Level
Near or just above highest summits (1200m).
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Sunday 23rd February 2025
Last updated
Fri 21st Feb 25 at
4:30PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
South to southwesterly 60 to 80mph, up to 90mph at least in gusts for periods on higher mountains.
Effect of the wind on you?
Severe conditions: mobility challenging even at mid-elevations, frequently knocking you off your feet where exposed.
How Wet?
Heavy rain then frequent showers
Heavy rain setting in from west before dawn, soon widespread in morning, briefly sleet on tops. By middle of day, clusters of showers, frequent rain on western mountains, may set in again; back to snow on high tops into night.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive, lowest morning
Shrouding the mountains all day, lowest cloud bases in the morning, rising toward upper slopes by afternoon, but varied in and out of rain, local breaks possible across Sutherland.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Overcast morning, then some glimpses of sun forming, mainly north & east afternoon. Hazy, poor visibility in precipitation.
How Cold? (at 900m)
1 to 3C. Feeling like -15C or below due to wind chill.
Freezing Level
Near higher summits above 1000m briefly, but mostly above all summits all day. Into night starting to lower back to 1000m.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Monday 24th February 2025
Last updated
Fri 21st Feb 25 at
4:30PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly 50 to 70mph, likely strongest in areas further north.
Effect of the wind on you?
Difficult mobility over the mountains, squally gusts could knock you over. Severe wind chill.
How Wet?
Periods of snow on tops
Frequent precipitation over western mountains, locally constant for periods Skye to Wester Ross; falling as snow above 700-800m. May become showery in nature with hail.
Cloud on the hills?
Most persistent west
Often covering higher summits, particularly western mountains, bases varied in and out of showers 700 to 900m, sometimes 600m near west coast; brief higher breaks.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sun mainly east. Visibility sometimes good, but very poor in precipitation.
How Cold? (at 900m)
0 or 1C. Feeling like -15C in the wind.
Freezing Level
900 to 1050m, tending to lower a little by evening, nearer 800m.
Planning Outlook
Wet underfoot following several spells of rain and a marked thaw. Weather conditions deteriorating again into Sunday with storm-force mountain winds and heavy rain. Chillier west to southwesterly winds prevail next week, a return to mostly sub-freezing conditions over Scottish Munros, whilst lower Scottish hills plus mountains in England & Wales will see some freeze and thaw. Showery conditions with hail and upland snow, mixed with occasionally more widespread precipitation.