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
Severe gale or storm, mobility very difficult
Severe conditions on the mountains, any movement very challenging, you may be blown over. 55-70mph+
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.
Cold
Air temperatures near or below freezing on high tops; if exposed to brisk winds significant chill factor on high mountains. Carry suitable clothing.
Winter kit required on higher mountains
Snow cover over higher mountain terrain. Safe progress around some tops and ridges will require suitable footwear - possibly crampons and ice-axe where necessary.
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Severe gale or storm, mobility very difficult
Severe conditions on the mountains, any movement very challenging, you may be blown over. 55-70mph+
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.
Cold
Air temperatures near or below freezing on high tops; if exposed to brisk winds significant chill factor on high mountains. Carry suitable clothing.
Winter kit required on higher mountains
Snow cover over higher mountain terrain. Safe progress around some tops and ridges will require suitable footwear - possibly crampons and ice-axe where necessary.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Saturday 21st December 2024
Last updated
Fri 20th Dec 24 at
12:04PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Widespread storm force upland winds, strongest far north, around an intense low centred north of Scotland. Snow showers very frequent across W and NW Scotland; whilst further south showers, of snow only on higher tops. Overnight rain will clear Wales from the north morning and middle of day.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Storm or hurricane force upland wind. Snow.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Westerly 70 to 80mph; strongest far north; particularly squally near showers.
Effect of the wind on you?
Walking difficult where exposed in valleys; higher up severe or extreme wind chill and any mobility difficult or tortuous. You could be repeatedly blown over and difficult to stand in places.
How Wet?
Frequent hail and snow.
Showers, often one after another and increasingly heavy and squally giving periods of whiteout. Hail, and above about 500m snow.
Cloud on the hills?
Very extensive: rare breaks on higher slopes.
Cloud base varying considerably; patches below 400m near precipitation (particularly western mountains), whilst at other times cloud base between 750 and rarely 1050m.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Bursts of sunshine, mainly easternmost areas. Varied visibility; appalling in snow and blowing snow to sometimes very good.
How Cold? (at 900m)
Dropping slowly to around -1C. Will feel as cold as minus 21C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
Dropping slowly from 950m at dawn to near 800m afternoon.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Sunday 22nd December 2024
Last updated
Fri 20th Dec 24 at
12:04PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Northwesterly around 60mph; particularly gusty near precipitation.
Effect of the wind on you?
Arduous walking on lower slopes, whilst higher up severe wind chill and any mobility challenging, particularly near precipitation.
How Wet?
Frequent hail and snow
Showers, sometimes one after another; mostly rain only valleys. Additionally risk of the precipitation more or less constant over a couple of hours, giving whiteout.
Cloud on the hills?
Very extensive across the mountains; cloud base varying
Near precipitation cloud sometimes below 400m particularly near the coast, but breaks to 750m, perhaps fleeting breaks to higher tops.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sunshine, mainly well inland. Very varied visibility, appalling or near zero in snow/blowing snow.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-2C, may rise marginally through the day. Will feel as cold as minus 20C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
600m
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Monday 23rd December 2024
Last updated
Fri 20th Dec 24 at
12:04PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
West backing southwesterly; a lull to around 20mph, before strengthening toward 30mph afternoon.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mostly small; but anticipate a change to considerable wind chill and more strenuous walking.
How Wet?
Rain spreading inland
The odd snow shower morning. Rain, or temporarily snow or refrozen rain above 700m, spreading inland most likely middle of the day onward.
Cloud on the hills?
Deteriorating as cloud later envelops lower slopes
Moderate confidence well inland of cloud lifting off summits below 900 to 1100m for a few hours. But anticipate deterioration as cloud fills in from many lower slopes up, although well inland (from west) most cloud may remain above 600m.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
50% dropping from west to 10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Little or no sunshine. Visibility very good or excellent, but poor in precipitation.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-1C rising to 0 to 2C afternoon. Will feel as cold as minus 7C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
700m, transitioning to above the summits, initially near the west coast, afternoon onwards.
Planning Outlook
A change in the weather pattern from Tuesday as high pressure progressively envelops Wales and England. Here, as in S Scotland, extensively dry and much less windy. Mild - although frost in valleys some nights. Still windy Scottish Highlands, here very mild with lying snow substantially melting. Rain frequent NW Highlands, and less so W Highlands. Further east little or no rain.