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
Windy, walking impeded
Blustery conditions enough to give buffeting on higher terrain or affect balance on exposed ridges. 25 to 40mph.
Snow and rain mix
Precipitation falling as snow on higher summits, at least part of the day. All falling as rain on lower and mid slopes, may even turn to rain higher up.
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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Windy, walking impeded
Blustery conditions enough to give buffeting on higher terrain or affect balance on exposed ridges. 25 to 40mph.
Snow and rain mix
Precipitation falling as snow on higher summits, at least part of the day. All falling as rain on lower and mid slopes, may even turn to rain higher up.
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
Tuesday 22nd October 2024
Last updated
Tue 22nd Oct 24 at
7:57AM
Summary for all mountain areas
Upland wind in the Scottish Highlands but lighter elsewhere. Frequent showers or drizzle in the morning, falling as sleet or hail on the higher Scottish summits. These will tend to ease in the afternoon causing the extensive morning cloud to lift and break a little.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Upland wind. Showers easing and cloud breaking in the afternoon.
How windy? (On the Munros)
West to southwesterly between 35 and 45mph, generally strongest toward the north.
Effect of the wind on you?
Widespread buffeting and considerable wind chill on higher areas.
How Wet?
Frequent showers morning; hail and sleet
Showers throughout the morning, sometimes one after another. Tending to ease into the afternoon, with very little by dusk. Hail and above 1000m wet snow.
Cloud on the hills?
Persistent fog higher slopes; highest cloud base well inland. Breaking in afternoon.
Cloud base will vary, dropping near precipitation. Typically in the range 500 to 800m, but often a couple of hundred metres higher easternmost summits. Tending to lift and break in the afternoon.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20% becoming 60%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sun only, mainly lower slopes well inland. Persistent haze.
How Cold? (at 900m)
2C. Will feel around -10C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
1150m.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Last updated
Tue 22nd Oct 24 at
7:57AM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwest, backing toward southerly, in the range 45 to 55 or 60mph, strongest near the coast, particularly Sutherland.
Effect of the wind on you?
Severe wind chill and difficult walking conditions where exposed. You may be blown over higher up.
How Wet?
Drizzly, mainly near Skye
Extensively dry except Skye and nearby hills north to Kintail and west coastal Wester Ross, where drizzly frequently or on and off all day.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensively shrouding higher areas; very low cloud base near Skye
Skye and nearby hills north to Kintail and west coastal Wester Ross: Fog from 300 to 450m all day. Elsewhere: Cloud base typically 600 to perhaps 900m, highest easternmost summits (those near Great Glen to Ben Wyvis) and in Sutherland.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Occasional sunshine coming through easternmost areas; cloudy elsewhere. Persistently hazy; misty where drizzly.
How Cold? (at 900m)
6C. Will feel as cold as minus 10C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Thursday 24th October 2024
Last updated
Tue 22nd Oct 24 at
7:57AM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southerly 40 to 60mph, strongest near the west coast. Will reduce abruptly from the west late in the day.
Effect of the wind on you?
Very challenging walking conditions at times with powerful down-slope gusts on Skye and near the west coast. Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Pockets of drizzly rain
Inland regions will remain mostly dry, but pockets of persistent drizzly rain on west-coastal upslopes. Some of these may penetrate inland at times. More organised rain arriving in the evening.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive
Cloud will shroud the hills from lower west-coastal slopes up for much of the day, with the cloud base highest inland towards the north.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Little sunshine and some haze.
How Cold? (at 900m)
5C. Feeling around -10C in the wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Planning Outlook
Generally humid and windy conditions over the next few days bringing lots of low cloud and some drizzle on western coasts. More organised rain at times from Friday and into the weekend but the potential development of a low pressure near Ireland is giving some uncertainty. Temperatures likely fluctuating over the weekend with higher summits below freezing at times.