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.
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.
Whiteout
Fog and lying snow over the mountains, possibly with falling or blowing snow, very disorientating. Map and compass essential, beware of unseen hazards such as cornices.
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.
Whiteout
Fog and lying snow over the mountains, possibly with falling or blowing snow, very disorientating. Map and compass essential, beware of unseen hazards such as cornices.
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
The Northwest Highlands
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 The Northwest Highlands
Frequent snowfall, upland gales, very cold and dull
How windy? (On the Munros)
North-northwesterly, varying - often 35 to 45mph, sometimes less. Strongest in the morning, at dawn speeds may exceed 50mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Conditions difficult, movement becoming almost impossible at times, balance hard to keep. Strong wind chill. Easing just a little afternoon.
How Wet?
Snow showers, often heavy
Hills covered by snow, in the north locally 30-50cm. Frequent snow and hail showers in all areas, at times heavy, most common near northern and northwestern coastal hills. Risk isolated lightning mainly near coast. Locally high additional snow amounts (+15cm).
Cloud on the hills?
Frequent
Cloud almost persistent, especially on the northern and western coast. Further inland hills partly clear, but snow showers may strongly reduce visibility.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
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 -1C. Feeling below -10C in wind.
Freezing Level
Near 500m by the coast, inland 100-300m. Rising a little through the day.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Friday 22nd November 2024
Last updated
Wed 20th Nov 24 at
3:34PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Northwesterly 20-25mph at start, easing to less than 15mph, becoming variable.
Effect of the wind on you?
At start moving around locally strenuous, wind may affect balance on ridges. Becoming small.
How Wet?
Snow showers becoming rare
Snow and hail showers, becoming rare, often totally fading out in the morning. Especially toward Great Glen likely dry, probably all day. Risk lightning.
Cloud on the hills?
Covered from time to time
Layers of low cloud may appear on various levels especially in and after showers, mostly on hills near the coast. Cloud unlikely below 600m. Nevertheless, hills most of the time clear.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
60%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Morning clouds dissipating, giving place for sunshine, most frequent on south and southeastern hills. Visibility excellent, poor in local showers.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-2 or -3C, 0C on & near Skye
Freezing Level
400-600m, rising a little through the day. Well inland down to valley bottom in the morning.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
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, any activity on the exposed ridges highly dangerous regardless of experience.
How Wet?
Heavy snowfall, changing into rain
Firstly dry, in the morning moderate to heavy snowfall starting on Cuillin, gradually extending northwards. Snowfall fairly persistent, afternoon gradual transition into rain.
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 northeast
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 +3C
Freezing Level
Variable, at first near sea level inland, 300-500m close to the coast. 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.