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
Saturday 4th December 2021
Last updated
Fri 3rd Dec 21 at
3:55PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Showers running inland from western coasts on strong to gale force W-NW'ly winds, extending into western Peak & Pennines. Local clusters giving frequent hail or hill snow, chance of thunder. Also risk snow for periods N & E Scotland, may move southwards. Much terrain stays frozen above 600-700m, but locally snow to lower elevations.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Cold, squally winds. Snow & hail showers, most frequent west coast.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Northwesterly, may change abruptly, often 20-30mph, brief lulls, but sudden squally gusts in showers over 40mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Beware of changing conditions: may be small at times, but risk of difficult walking and significant wind chill for periods.
How Wet?
Snow and hail showers
Showery, at times frequent precipitation near west coast and far north. Snow sometimes falling to lower slopes, but becoming mostly rain below 400-500m in west. Risk of hail, isolated thunder.
Cloud on the hills?
Often covering tops
Cloud bases varied, often covering higher mountains above 700-800m, sometimes forming below 600m in precipitation. Brief breaks toward higher tops mostly well inland toward Great Glen.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Brief glimpses of sun. Visibility very good away from showers, but very poor in cloud and snow/hail.
How Cold? (at 900m)
0 to -2C. Wind chill in strongest winds near -15C.
Freezing Level
600 to 900m, rising highest near west coast.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Sunday 5th December 2021
Last updated
Fri 3rd Dec 21 at
3:55PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Northerly 20 to 30mph early morning, but speeds likely to fall much lighter as day progresses.
Effect of the wind on you?
Prepare for marked wind chill early in the day, but conditions should ease.
How Wet?
Local snow flurries
A few local snow showers or flurries, mostly northern areas, perhaps further across Sutherland for a time. Sleet or rain lower slopes near the coast.
Cloud on the hills?
Most persistent northern areas
Often covering northern summits above 600-800m, perhaps fairly widely across Sutherland and areas near northern Great Glen. Patches on higher tops toward Kintail and Skye, but some breaks in places.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Varied sun, fairly cloudy northern hills, but some areas may become sunnier. Visibility excellent, but reduced around showers.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-2 to -4C.
Freezing Level
Most upland terrain frozen, from many glens upward inland, but near coast may be nearer to 600m.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Monday 6th December 2021
Last updated
Fri 3rd Dec 21 at
3:55PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
South veering westerly, often in the range 30 to 50mph, perhaps a brief lull.
Effect of the wind on you?
Expect frequent buffeting across the hills, sometimes arduous walking conditions with significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Snow, then showers with hail
A period of widespread snowfall is likely, becoming sleet lower slopes, or rain near west coast perhaps to 600m or above. Then clusters of showers, heavy with hail and chance of thunder.
Cloud on the hills?
Fairly extensive
Cloud bases changing quickly, but often covering higher terrain through the day, extensive in precipitation. Brief glimpses of higher summits. Sometimes shafts of cloud forming to lower slopes.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Brief if any sun. Visibility sometimes good, but very poor during precipitation, appalling if in snow and cloud.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-2 to -4C, tending to rise for a time from the west, perhaps briefly nearer to 0C near coast.
Freezing Level
Much terrain frozen following overnight frost. Becoming 400m inland, but above 800m for a time near coast.
Planning Outlook
Most mountain terrain is likely to stay frozen throughout the week ahead. Sometimes freezing conditions to lower slopes, although some day-to-day variations. Wind speed and direction will vary considerably, intermittent lulls, but then a deep low is expected to affect Britain by Tuesday-Wednesday, bringing stormy conditions, perhaps widely. Further lows are likely to follow later in the week. Extensive snowfalls possible on the hills, a mix of snow and rain lower down. Don't miss our latest video content on the MWIS YouTube channel and across our social media feeds.