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
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 snow
Continuous or almost constant heavy snowfall, large flakes falling to low elevations. Beware of near-zero visibility from falling or blowing snow, risk of blizzard conditions.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Extreme Cold
Significant wintry conditions - well below freezing over higher terrain all day, feeling bitterly cold due to wind chill. Difficult conditions. Frostbite and hypothermia risk. Substantial protective clothing is required.
Snowdrifts
Considerable lying snow over the mountains, with substantial drifting in places.
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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 snow
Continuous or almost constant heavy snowfall, large flakes falling to low elevations. Beware of near-zero visibility from falling or blowing snow, risk of blizzard conditions.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Extreme Cold
Significant wintry conditions - well below freezing over higher terrain all day, feeling bitterly cold due to wind chill. Difficult conditions. Frostbite and hypothermia risk. Substantial protective clothing is required.
Snowdrifts
Considerable lying snow over the mountains, with substantial drifting in places.
Viewing Forecast For
Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Thursday 21st November 2024
Last updated
Wed 20th Nov 24 at
3:34PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Heavy snow showers with gales in the Highlands. Southern Scotland and northern England mostly sunny, cold, windy at times, only isolated snowfall near the coasts. In Wales changeable conditions, from snowfall and whiteouts to sunny spells with a few clouds. Chilly.
Headline for Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Frequent snowfall, upland gales, very cold and dull
How windy? (On the Munros)
North-northwesterly, often 45-50mph, 60mph possible Cairngorm Plateau.
Effect of the wind on you?
Conditions difficult to severe, risk controlled movement becoming impossible at times. Strong wind chill.
How Wet?
Snow showers, frequent in the north
Hills covered by around 10cm snow. Frequent snow and hail showers, fairly heavy, may in places persist for a few hours northern Cairngorms. Risk isolated lightning. Locally high snow amounts possible (+20cm).
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive in the north
Cloud covering hills widely in and near snow showers, mainly N Cairngorms. Elsewhere hills partly clear, but snow showers may briefly reduce visibility.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Chance occasional sun, but most hills cloudy and murky. Visibility varying from good to prolonged whiteouts in snow showers.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-4 to -2C. Feeling below -10C in wind.
Freezing Level
Near 500m on the NP edges, but well inland 100-300m. Rising a little through the day.
Viewing Forecast For
Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Friday 22nd November 2024
Last updated
Wed 20th Nov 24 at
3:34PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Northwesterly, easing from 30mph to soon 15-20mph or less.
Effect of the wind on you?
Walking strenuous in the morning, later wind effect becoming small.
How Wet?
Occasional snow showers. Dry Ben Alder
After overnight showers fade out, only occasional snow and hail showers mainly in the morning toward Glenmore and Lecht, likely dry toward Ben Alder. Low risk lightning in the showers.
Cloud on the hills?
High tops covered partly at start
High tops in and out of cloud, below 1000m likely clear. Cloud may lower in showers. In the afternoon all hills likely clear.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
80%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Morning clouds dissipating, giving place for sunshine. Visibility excellent.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-3C
Freezing Level
Most terrain frozen down to valley bottom.
Viewing Forecast For
Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Saturday 23rd November 2024
Last updated
Wed 20th Nov 24 at
3:34PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southeasterly 60 to 85mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Severe conditions, controlled mobility impossible over most of the hills.
How Wet?
Heavy snowfall, changing into rain
Early morning dry, around noon moderate to heavy snowfall moving in from the southwest. Snowfall widespread. In the evening gradual transition into rain. Until then, widely near 10cm fresh, wet snow, locally more.
Cloud on the hills?
Hills covered extensively, whiteout
Hills fully covered, very likely all day. Perhaps early morning a few clear spots in the north and east, but soon getting covered.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10%, best early morning Lecht, Glenmore
Sunshine and air clarity?
Overcast, zero visibility, whiteout. Perhaps just briefly brighter at the start of the day toward northeast.
How Cold? (at 900m)
Rising from -5C to +2C
Freezing Level
Variable, at first near sea level inland, rising to above the summits afternoon.
Planning Outlook
Weekend will start with heavy snowfall for many mountains. With significant warming, from Saturday afternoon change into snow, perhaps locally freezing rain for a while. On Sunday frequent rain, freezing level above all summits. On both weekend days severe winds even in the valleys! Next week with start with some cooling, mix of rain and snow showers, then dry for Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday night another warm front will move over the UK southwest to northeast, bringing rain and strong winds. Later, milder and moderately wet.