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.
Snow and hail showers
Periods of bright or sunny conditions mixed with showers or flurries of snow and hail.
Cold
Air temperatures near or below freezing on high tops; if exposed to brisk winds significant chill factor on high mountains. Carry suitable clothing.
Terrain widely frozen
All ground frozen from lower elevations upward, with hard frost or snow cover. Beware of icy surfaces on lower and higher terrain. Appropriate footwear needed, crampons may be necessary.
Click an icon for more information or click here for a key to all icons.
Windy, walking impeded
Blustery conditions enough to give buffeting on higher terrain or affect balance on exposed ridges. 25 to 40mph.
Snow and hail showers
Periods of bright or sunny conditions mixed with showers or flurries of snow and hail.
Cold
Air temperatures near or below freezing on high tops; if exposed to brisk winds significant chill factor on high mountains. Carry suitable clothing.
Terrain widely frozen
All ground frozen from lower elevations upward, with hard frost or snow cover. Beware of icy surfaces on lower and higher terrain. Appropriate footwear needed, crampons may be necessary.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Thursday 21st November 2024
Last updated
Wed 20th Nov 24 at
3:34PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Heavy snow showers with gales in the Highlands. Southern Scotland and northern England mostly sunny, cold, windy at times, only isolated snowfall near the coasts. In Wales changeable conditions, from snowfall and whiteouts to sunny spells with a few clouds. Chilly.
Headline for West Highlands
Snow showers, windy, cold. Some sunshine Loch Lomond
How windy? (On the Munros)
North-northwesterly, varying - often 35 to 45mph, sometimes less, strongest in the morning.
Effect of the wind on you?
Considerable buffeting, movement becoming difficult at times, balance hard to keep. Strong wind chill.
How Wet?
Snow showers, drier toward southeast
Snow and hail showers likely on all hills, most new snow in Lochaber. Showers fairly heavy, up to 10cm of fresh snow during the whole day possible, much less south of Ben Nevis range.
Cloud on the hills?
Cloud near the coast and in showers
Cloud patches possible, especially on the islands and western coastal hills, on the level of higher tops. Elsewhere hills mostly clear, but snow showers may strongly reduce visibility.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
50%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Occasional sun on the coast, much more frequent inland, especially southeast. Visibility varying from very good to prolonged whiteouts in snow showers.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-4 to -1C. Feeling near -10C in wind.
Freezing Level
Near 500m by the coast, inland 100-300m. Rising to 500-700m.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Friday 22nd November 2024
Last updated
Wed 20th Nov 24 at
3:34PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Northwesterly, easing from 30mph to soon 15-20mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
At start moving around strenuous, wind affecting balance on ridges, impeding comfortable walking. Becoming small.
How Wet?
Snow showers in northwest, fading
Snow and hail showers in Western Lochaber and by the coast, occasionally reaching areas more to the south and east. East of Loch Lomond and Ben Nevis likely dry. Shower risk lowering through the day.
Cloud on the hills?
Mostly clear
Layers of low cloud may appear on various levels especially in and after showers, but hills most of the time clear.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
80%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Sun frequent, most of the time with some clouds in the sky. Visibility very good, locally moderate in the west and in showers.
How Cold? (at 900m)
0C coast to -3C toward east
Freezing Level
400-600m, rising a little through the day. Well inland 100-300m in the morning.
Viewing Forecast For
West Highlands
Saturday 23rd November 2024
Last updated
Wed 20th Nov 24 at
3:34PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southeasterly 50 to 80mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Severe conditions, any activity on the exposed ridges highly dangerous regardless of experience.
How Wet?
Heavy snowfall, changing into rain
Heavy snowfall first half of the day, during the afternoon gradual transition into rain. 5-10cm fresh snow falling within few hours, in places more, snow becoming very wet.
Cloud on the hills?
Hills covered extensively, whiteout
Hills fully covered, very likely all day. With intense snowfall whiteout frequent.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
Very low
Sunshine and air clarity?
Overcast, zero visibility, whiteout.
How Cold? (at 900m)
Rising from -5C to +4C
Freezing Level
Variable, at first near sea level inland, 300-500m close to the coast. Rising to above the summits afternoon.
Planning Outlook
Weekend will start with heavy snowfall for many mountains. With significant warming, from Saturday afternoon change into snow, perhaps locally freezing rain for a while. On Sunday frequent rain, freezing level above all summits. On both weekend days severe winds even in the valleys! Next week with start with some cooling, mix of rain and snow showers, then dry for Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday night another warm front will move over the UK southwest to northeast, bringing rain and strong winds. Later, milder and moderately wet.