West Highlands
Western Highlands accessible from, and south of, Glenfinnan (Road to the Isles) and Glen Spean (includes Creag Meagaidh). This area include Ben Nevis and the mountains around Glencoe. In the east, includes Ben Alder south to Loch Lomond and Trossachs NP. Includes Arran and Mull.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Thursday 27th January 2022
Last updated
Wed 26th Jan 22 at
3:23PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Windy. Low cloud and patches of rain will clear southward across Wales. Otherwise, a drop in freezing level will bring snow showers to Scotland (mainly west and north), and bursts of sun. Although a rise in cloud base, most western mountains will remain shrouded in cloud.
Headline for West Highlands
Upland gales or near gales. Snow showers, mainly Lochaber.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Northwesterly 35mph, although post dawn and then through the day at times on highest summits, nearer 45mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Walking widely arduous, and for periods, particularly on higher summits difficult. Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Occasional snow showers, mainly toward north
Occasional hail and snow showers, rain generally below 600m. In Lochaber and Mull in morning, the precipitation may be frequent. Few showers will reach southern and eastern Loch Lomond NP and Arran.
Cloud on the hills?
Almost constantly covering higher areas
Cloud base fluctuating, typically between 500 and 750m, although a few breaks higher up, mostly central highlands, where by afternoon cloud rarely below 900m.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10% Lochaber to in afternoon 30% central highlands and near Loch Lomond
Sunshine and air clarity?
Mostly cloudy, bursts of sun mostly well inland and Arran. Visibility very good, but very poor in precipitation.
How Cold? (at 900m)
0 or -1C. Will feel as cold as minus 13C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
800-900m
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Friday 28th January 2022
Last updated
Wed 26th Jan 22 at
3:23PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Westerly winds increasing through the day to reach 40 to 60 mph. Strong gusts reaching lower slopes.
Effect of the wind on you?
Walking will increasingly be difficult and serious where exposed to the high winds.
How Wet?
Heavy rain moving in
Coastal drizzle will turn to heavy rain - probably by midday. Rain least heavy central mountains. Sleet on higher ground.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive near coast
Extensive cloud from lowest slopes in coastal regions around and north of Oban. Summits in Loch Lomond NP and on Arran may be cloud-free at first but the cloud base will lower as rain moves in.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Dull and hazy when not in cloud with little or no sunshine.
How Cold? (at 900m)
1C
Freezing Level
1100m
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Saturday 29th January 2022
Last updated
Wed 26th Jan 22 at
3:23PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Upland gales and gusty. North westerly 40 to 50mph, at first will ease a little later in the day.
Effect of the wind on you?
Difficult and serious walking conditions where exposed to wind. Gusts may throw you off balance.
How Wet?
Persistent rain in morning
Persistent rain at first will clear, although timing uncertain. Showers following, soon of hail or snow to 450m. Will become showery once the front clears, the timing of which is uncertain.
Cloud on the hills?
Low cloud, rising a little
Low cloud in the morning will rise as the front moves south and clears. Cloud base will then vary quickly: dropping below 600m near showers, but breaks to 900, perhaps 1100m southern and eastern Loch Lomond NP.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Dull at first but then bursts of sun, and visibility intermittently very good.
How Cold? (at 900m)
4C dropping to -2C
Freezing Level
Above the summits at first but dropping to 700m behind the front.
Planning Outlook
Westerly winds, sometimes exceeding gale force at least in Scotland will continue until into next month. There will be frequent rainfall on western mountains; copious on the W & NW Highlands, where as temperatures oscillate, there will be both rain and snow - over time, the snow accumulation on the Munros. Further south, only occasionally will freezing levels be low, with most precipitation as rain. There remains uncertainty later Sunday (30th) when a small low may bring significant snow to the Scottish Highlands.