West Highlands
Western Highlands accessible from, and south of, Glenfinnan (Road to the Isles) and Glen Spean (includes Creag Meagaidh). This area includes Ben Nevis and the mountains around Glencoe. In the east, from Ben Alder south to Loch Lomond and Trossachs NP. Also Arran and Mull.
Thursday'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.
Heavy rain
Near-constant heavy rain, sometimes torrential over the mountains, very wet underfoot.
Poor visibility
Very murky conditions, the mountains shrouded in fog, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Cold
Near or below freezing on highest terrain all day. Considerable or significant chill factor if exposed to strong winds. Prepare for winter temperatures on the high mountains - suitable protective clothing required.
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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.
Heavy rain
Near-constant heavy rain, sometimes torrential over the mountains, very wet underfoot.
Poor visibility
Very murky conditions, the mountains shrouded in fog, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Cold
Near or below freezing on highest terrain all day. Considerable or significant chill factor if exposed to strong winds. Prepare for winter temperatures on the high mountains - suitable protective clothing required.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Thursday 4th July 2024
Last updated
Wed 3rd Jul 24 at
3:19PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Wet for most in the mountains, heavy rain in western Scotland and at times on the Cairngorms. Gales on the Highlands, Pennines and in Lake District, very windy also in Wales. Frequent rain in Lakes and North Pennines, mostly dry in Peak District and Snowdonia, but risk of random shower occurring. Harsh day for mountain activity.
Headline for West Highlands
Heavy rain, cold, murky, very windy with severe gusts
How windy? (On the Munros)
Westerly 30 to 40mph on some higher peaks. Strongest afternoon. Gusts up to 60mph possible.
Effect of the wind on you?
Arduous, walking becoming difficult, severe conditions on exposed ridges. Buffeting leads to highly affected balance and significant wind chill factor.
How Wet?
Persistent rain, heavy around Ben Nevis
Fairly persistent rain on the coastal hills, particularly heavy around Loch Linnhe, very wet underfoot, snow above ~1000m in the morning. Well inland rain on and off, most widespread and continuous afternoon. Chance for longer dry periods south Loch Lomond NP.
Cloud on the hills?
Hills mostly covered extensively
Coastal hills in clouds all day. Well inland banks of clouds on various levels at start, cloud base lifting above most hills, but returning in showers.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Hardly any sunshine. Mostly poor visibility.
How Cold? (at 900m)
Around 4C. Feeling more like -10C in wind.
Freezing Level
1200m in the morning, lifting above all tops during the day.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Friday 5th July 2024
Last updated
Wed 3rd Jul 24 at
3:19PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly 15 to 25mph, 30mph in the morning on the highest tops, gusts 40mph possible.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mostly small, but blustery in exposed terrain, affect comfortable walking and balance on the ridges in the morning.
How Wet?
Drizzle or light showers
Light rain or drizzle for a time, often dry in the morning toward Loch Lomond. In the afternoon light, brief showers possible everywhere.
Cloud on the hills?
Hills partly covered, often clearing
Coastal hills mostly in clouds, inland cloud base starting at around 600m and lifting gradually, clearing most hills but perhaps staying on the highest ones above 1000-1200m.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30% rising to 60% inland afternoon
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sunshine by the coast, more sunny spells east of Fort William. Visibility reduced on the coast.
How Cold? (at 900m)
Around 6C, feeling a bit colder in the afternoon due to wind chill effect
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Saturday 6th July 2024
Last updated
Wed 3rd Jul 24 at
3:19PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Northwesterly, starting 10 to 20mph, increasing to 25mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mostly small, but becoming noticeable toward the evening, may affect balance on exposed ridges.
How Wet?
Patchy rain north, locally showers south
Patchy rain in the north, mostly dry toward Loch Lomond with only odd shower there. Significant uncertainty for the details.
Cloud on the hills?
Hills covered extensively
Cloud on most hills in the morning, lifting, perhaps clearing lower slopes and some lower tops below 900m toward Loch Lomond, but Munros all day in clouds.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Mostly overcast. A few sunbeams possible toward Loch Lomond. Often poor visibility.
How Cold? (at 900m)
5 to 8C, warmest inland
Freezing Level
Just above highest summits in the morning, rising later
Planning Outlook
Cool period continuing. Friday rain on western Scottish coast and in the Brecon Beacons, showers reaching to central Highlands, mostly dry southern Scotland and northern England, here most sunshine. Wet in Scotland also during the weekend, better toward northern England, drizzle common on western coast of Britain. Start of the week much improvement in weather, rare showers, frequent sunshine mostly light winds. Fine weather about to last until Thursday, when another frontal system is expected to reach UK.