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.)
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Friday 4th December 2020
Last updated
Thursday 3rd December 2020 at
4:25 PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Areas of snowfall will pivot in from the east to affect many areas of Scotland and Northern England through the day. Accompanied by upland gales giving severe wind chill for periods, but a substantial lull is likely S Pennines. Across Wales, snow showers later give way to persistent snow.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Upland gales, severe wind chill and periods of snow.
How windy? (On the Munros)
North or northeasterly, perhaps a lull around dawn, but likely strengthening for periods to 40-50mph high tops.
Effect of the wind on you?
Prepare for difficult conditions and severe wind chill on the mountains.
How Wet?
Periods of snow
Increasing risk of a zone of persistent snow spreading in from the northeast, perhaps soon. Threat sustained whiteout on tops. Turning to sleet or rain on many lower slopes.
Cloud on the hills?
Lowering in snow
Will depend on extent of snow - some western mountains may only see cloud on higher tops, but if snow becomes widespread, cloud lowering to shroud all higher terrain, lowest across Sutherland.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Little or no sun. Away from precipitation, visibility locally very good, but appalling conditions where in snow and cloud.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-4C, rising to -2C, in places 0C. Will feel closer to -20C or below in exposure to the strongest winds.
Freezing Level
Varied. Terrain frozen from most glens up in morning, locally staying near zero. Will lift in places above freezing above 800m.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Saturday 5th December 2020
Last updated
Thursday 3rd December 2020 at
4:25 PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
East or northeasterly, 30 to 50mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Expect frequently arduous walking conditions. Severe wind chill on higher terrain.
How Wet?
Snow on and off
Areas of snow continue to feed in from the northeast, sometimes frequent or constant over a few hours. Snow falling at times to lower slopes inland, although often sleet or rain around lower coastal areas.
Cloud on the hills?
Fairly extensive
Covering many higher areas through the day, lowering around constant precipitation, but near west coast around Skye, some breaks may occur to higher slopes at times.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sun. Visibility at times good, but reduced around precipitation, in places often very poor.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-2C
Freezing Level
Around 700m, but also near zero some sheltered glens after dawn.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Sunday 6th December 2020
Last updated
Thursday 3rd December 2020 at
4:25 PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Low confidence in detail: Northeasterly 20 to 30mph, 35mph near west coast, may be significant lull later.
Effect of the wind on you?
Will impede walking at times across higher areas with significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Snow on and off, may set in further east.
Areas of snow likely to come and go through the day, most frequently across eastern areas where may set in for a time. Perhaps just flurries west coast.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive, some local breaks west coast.
Cloud will very likely cover the hills extensive through much of the day. The best of the breaks to higher tops will be towards the west coast.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Mostly cloudy, some glimpses of sun; most likely towards west coast. Visibility sometimes poor or very poor due to snow. Perhaps often good west coast.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-2C
Freezing Level
600-700m, but also sub-zero some sheltered glens after dawn.
Planning Outlook
Cold weather patterns are likely to prevail well into December. A period of constant freeze, at least on the Scottish Munros, but often near or below zero on many lower summits across Britain. Upland terrain becoming extensively snow covered as bands of precipitation circulate slowly around low pressure - substantial snowfalls likely across many uplands, and snow may well lie for periods to lower slopes. Wind speed and direction will vary considerably, occasionally gale force. An east or northeasterly common across northern Britain.