West Highlands
Western Highlands accessible from, and south of, Glenfinnan (Road to the Isles) and Glen Spean (includes Creag Meagaidh). This area includes Ben Nevis and the mountains around Glencoe. In the east, from Ben Alder south to Loch Lomond and Trossachs NP. Also Arran and Mull.
Today's Forecast
Windy, walking impeded
Blustery conditions enough to give buffeting on higher terrain or affect balance on exposed ridges. 25 to 40mph.
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Poor visibility
Very murky conditions, the mountains shrouded in fog, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Cool
Temperatures above freezing but typically no higher than +5C over the tops - if exposed to brisk winds will feel sub-zero. May not feel cold when climbing, but noticeably cold when stationary. Carry suitable clothing.
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Windy, walking impeded
Blustery conditions enough to give buffeting on higher terrain or affect balance on exposed ridges. 25 to 40mph.
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Poor visibility
Very murky conditions, the mountains shrouded in fog, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Cool
Temperatures above freezing but typically no higher than +5C over the tops - if exposed to brisk winds will feel sub-zero. May not feel cold when climbing, but noticeably cold when stationary. Carry suitable clothing.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Wednesday 3rd July 2024
Last updated
Tue 2nd Jul 24 at
2:10PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Wet day for most in the mountains, with low cloud and often windy conditions. Particularly in Scotland murky and chilly winds, persistent rain in the west, on and off in the east Highlands. In England frequent rain spells, in Wales mostly showers on the western coastal hills, fading toward the evening.
Headline for West Highlands
Frequent rain, persistent on coast. Windy, murky, cool
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwest turning westerly, starting 20 to 30mph, likely increasing further later in daytime to 35-40mph, stronger gusts.
Effect of the wind on you?
Conditions becoming challenging on higher mountains toward the evening, frequent buffeting, gusts affecting balance. Feeling distinctly cold.
How Wet?
Frequent or persistent rain
Rain and drizzle much of the day, steady and heavy as fronts move through in the morning. May fade later to scattered showers, more persistent again into the night. By dusk possibly falling as sleet on Ben Nevis summit.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive
Covering the mountains widely, lowest and most persistent cloud toward the west coast. Some breaks above 700m inland. Bases tending to rise later in daytime.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Generally overcast. Poor visibility, some improvements mainly toward east.
How Cold? (at 900m)
4 to 8C, dropping to 3C later in day. Wind chill feeling like -5C or later colder.
Freezing Level
Above the summits, but dropping close to freezing point on Ben Nevis summit late evening.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Thursday 4th July 2024
Last updated
Tue 2nd Jul 24 at
2:10PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Westerly 30 to 40mph on some higher peaks. Strengthening during the day. Gusts up to 55mph possible.
Effect of the wind on you?
Arduous, walking becoming difficult. Buffeting leads to highly affected balance and significant wind chill factor.
How Wet?
Persistent rain, heavy bursts afternoon
Fairly persistent rain on the coastal hills. Well inland mostly dry in the morning, showers developing afternoon. Possible heavy bursts especially around Loch Linnhe.
Cloud on the hills?
Hills mostly covered extensively
Coastal hills in clouds all day. Well inland banks of clouds on various levels at start, cloud base lifting above most hills, but returning in showers.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Hardly any sunshine. Mostly poor visibility.
How Cold? (at 900m)
Around 4C. Feeling below -5C in wind.
Freezing Level
Around Ben Nevis summit level in the morning, lifting above all tops during the day.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Friday 5th July 2024
Last updated
Tue 2nd Jul 24 at
2:10PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly 15 to 25mph, 30mph in the morning on the highest tops, gusts 40mph possible.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mostly small, but blustery in exposed terrain, affect comfortable walking and balance on the ridges.
How Wet?
Rain on and off
Rain on and off on the coastal hills, often dry in the morning well inland, but in the afternoon showers also there.
Cloud on the hills?
Hills partly covered, often clearing
Coastal hills mostly in clouds in the morning, cloud lifting above most tops in the afternoon, perhaps staying on the highest ones above 1000-1200m. Well inland cloud patches coming and going.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30% rising to 60%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sunshine by the coast, more sunny spells east of Fort William. Visibility reduced on the coast.
How Cold? (at 900m)
Around 6C
Freezing Level
Just above Ben Nevis summit level in the morning, lifting much higher gradually.
Planning Outlook
Cooling in the night to Thursday, with sleet falling on highest Scottish peaks. A trough arriving on Thursday to Scotland brings another wet day on the Highlands with upland gales. England and Wales, although very windy and gusty, should get some sun between common showers, perhaps excluding Lake District and North Pennines, where clouds and rain still dominate. Damp, but generally much drier on Friday, some rain still in West and Northwest Highlands, in Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and Peak District. Uncertain development further on, most likely fairly cold for the season. Chance for fine conditions during the weekend but unstable air may cause locally heavy showers or thunderstorms.