Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Cairngorms National Park and Monadhliath. Also includes the Ben Alder area hills between Loch Ericht and Loch Laggan.
Today's Forecast
Moderate breeze, fairly small impact
A noticeable breeze, locally may be gusty, but unlikely to affect progress. 15-25mph.
Snow and rain mix
Precipitation falling mostly as snow over higher ground, but wetter lower down with sleet or mostly rain on lowest terrain. The freezing level may vary locally and during the course of the day.
Cool
Feeling chilly on the hills, especially if exposed to any wind. May not feel cold when climbing, but noticeably cold when stationary. Carry suitable clothing.
Winter kit required
Extensive frozen mountain terrain with snow cover. Safe progress will require spikes, crampons and ice-axe where necessary.
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Moderate breeze, fairly small impact
A noticeable breeze, locally may be gusty, but unlikely to affect progress. 15-25mph.
Snow and rain mix
Precipitation falling mostly as snow over higher ground, but wetter lower down with sleet or mostly rain on lowest terrain. The freezing level may vary locally and during the course of the day.
Cool
Feeling chilly on the hills, especially if exposed to any wind. May not feel cold when climbing, but noticeably cold when stationary. Carry suitable clothing.
Winter kit required
Extensive frozen mountain terrain with snow cover. Safe progress will require spikes, crampons and ice-axe where necessary.
Viewing Forecast For
Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Saturday 9th December 2023
Last updated
Fri 8th Dec 23 at
4:30PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Patchy rain and snow on higher Scottish tops push north over the Highlands. Heavy rain sets in across south & central Scotland. Heavy rain moves across England and Wales in the morning, followed by showers. Varied winds, fairly light much of Scotland, but increasing upland gales for England, severe for Wales.
Headline for Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Summit snow and rain easing. Varied winds and cloud.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southeasterly or variable 15 to 25mph, local lulls. May reach 30mph northern areas in morning.
Effect of the wind on you?
Fairly small, but locally blustery for periods.
How Wet?
Snow on tops tending to fade
Areas of rain and upland snow on the Munros from dawn, fairly persistent into the morning, tending to break up and clear northwards to leave patchy drizzle or snow flurries. Rain may return in far south.
Cloud on the hills?
Fairly extensive
Extensive fog on higher terrain most or all day. Local breaks forming between cloud banks away from precipitation.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Overcast. Visibility widely poor in precipitation, appalling in summit snow.
How Cold? (at 900m)
1 or 2C. Feeling like -5C if exposed to breeze.
Freezing Level
1000 to 1200m, lowest in constant precipitation. Lying snow on higher terrain, icy in places.
Viewing Forecast For
Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Sunday 10th December 2023
Last updated
Fri 8th Dec 23 at
4:30PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
South to southeast or variable, 10 to 20mph, but locally risk gustier for periods around northern corries.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mostly fairly small. Chance of sudden gustiness which may affect balance on some exposed terrain.
How Wet?
A little rain or snow, may set in later.
Patchy rain and summit snow in the morning tending to clear northwards. Then largely dry, but by evening risk of extensive rain and upland snow increasingly falling to mid-heights around 600-700m.
Cloud on the hills?
Often covering many tops
Varied banks of cloud over higher slopes throughout the day. Some breaks may form, mostly middle of day northern Cairngorms and Monadhliath. Lowering from south if precipitation moves in.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
40%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of weak sun through high cloud, mostly overcast. Visibility often good, but reduced in precipitation.
How Cold? (at 900m)
1 or 2C, dipping below 0C later. Wind chill feeling like -5C if exposed on tops.
Freezing Level
1000 to 1200m; most Munro tops at least part-frozen with varied snow cover. Dropping to 700m later in precipitation.
Viewing Forecast For
Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Monday 11th December 2023
Last updated
Fri 8th Dec 23 at
4:30PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Easterly or variable, 15 to 20mph, possibly stronger gusts around northern tops. Locally often lower speeds.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mostly small, in places may be more blustery for periods.
How Wet?
Patchy snow on tops
Areas of showers, snow above 800m, greatest risk toward east, possibly more widely northern Cairngorms for periods. Amounts small, or often dry toward south.
Cloud on the hills?
Often covering many tops
Varied banks of cloud over higher slopes, risk fairly persistent especially northern areas. Possible patchy fog lower down for a time. Local breaks Ben Alder area.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Fairly cloudy, glimpses of sun. Visibility good in places out of cloud, but reduced to poor if in snow.
How Cold? (at 900m)
0 to 2C. If exposed to wind, feeling like -5C on tops, perhaps nearer -10C at times.
Freezing Level
900 to 1100m. Local frost pockets some glens at dawn.
Planning Outlook
Areas of low pressure dominate into the weekend and early next week bringing unsettled conditions as a series of fronts circulate over Britain. Periods of heavy rain, with snow over higher mountains in Scotland as tops stay near or just below freezing point. Some freeze-thaw higher up, but mid-heights generally above freezing - very wet underfoot due to rain and snowmelt, beware flooding of streams and rivers. Most tops in England and Wales above freezing with terrain not frozen apart from local snow pockets. Generally windy, gales or severe gales at times over the tops - strongest speeds most sustained for England and Wales. Least windy in northern Scotland.