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
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
The Northwest Highlands
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 The Northwest Highlands
Occasional summit snow and rain. Varied winds and cloud.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southeasterly or variable 15 to 25mph, local lulls. Possibly 30-40mph far north at first.
Effect of the wind on you?
Fairly small most areas during daytime.
How Wet?
Local rain and snow on tops
Patchy rain and upland snow on the Munros from dawn, locally fairly persistent into the morning, but tending to fade out. More often dry near to west coast.
Cloud on the hills?
Fairly extensive
Some breaks toward the west coast where tops intermittently clear. As precipitation moves in, cloud will descend and becoming fairly extensive on the hills.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Little if any sun. Visibility good at times, but poor in precipitation, very poor summit snow.
How Cold? (at 900m)
3C later lowering to 1C. Feeling like -5C if exposed to breeze.
Freezing Level
Near or just above freezing on highest tops, lowering to 1000m later in the day. Lying snow on higher terrain, icy in places.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Sunday 10th December 2023
Last updated
Fri 8th Dec 23 at
4:30PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
South to southeasterly, 15 to 30mph, speeds varied during day, locally gustier near west coastal summits.
Effect of the wind on you?
Often fairly small, but may start to affect comfortable walking on some exposed western tops for periods.
How Wet?
Occasional rain, summit sleet
Risk of rain on and off, pushing north across the region over a few hours, local heavier bursts possible, but some places toward north seeing very little. Sleet or wet snow on higher tops.
Cloud on the hills?
Covering many tops, local breaks
Varied banks of cloud, fairly extensive over upper slopes, especially around Skye. Some breaks between cloud banks in places inland. Best breaks likely toward far north.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of weak sun through high cloud, mostly overcast. Visibility good away from rain, but reduced for periods.
How Cold? (at 900m)
1 or 2C, dipping to 0C or below later. Wind chill feeling like -5C or colder if wind increases.
Freezing Level
Just above freezing point to many tops, but higher terrain at least part-frozen, varied snow cover. Tending to drop to 900-1000m.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Monday 11th December 2023
Last updated
Fri 8th Dec 23 at
4:30PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Easterly or variable, 20 to 30mph, likely strongest toward the far north. Speeds may be often less near Kintail.
Effect of the wind on you?
Blustery and considerable wind chill on some higher areas, especially in the north. Locally smaller effects.
How Wet?
Patchy snow on tops
Areas of showers, snow above 800m, greatest risk toward north and east, may be frequent precipitation in places. Likely drier around Skye and Torridon, but risk some showers on and off, mostly rain.
Cloud on the hills?
Often covering many tops
Varied banks of cloud around higher slopes, most persistent where rain or snow occurs. Some breaks to upper slopes, mainly if sheltered in western areas.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Fairly cloudy, glimpses of sun. Visibility good in places, but reduced to poor if in snow.
How Cold? (at 900m)
1 to 3C, highest on Skye. If exposed to wind, feeling like -5C, risk locally -10C on tops.
Freezing Level
900-1000m inland & north, or just above freezing to tops near west coast and Skye. Local frost pockets inland 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.