Mountain weather
Southwest Highlands Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High for Tuesday to Thursday. Low for Friday and Saturday with uncertainty in how quickly rain spreads east.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
Strong Sunlight
Harmful UV levels from sunlight increase with altitude giving a greater risk of sunburn and eye damage, even on some overcast days. On breezy days, the cooling effect of wind on exposed skin may disguise any feeling of sunburn until it is too late. If there is snow cover, glare increases the effect of UV rays especially on the eyes. It is advisable to wear sun block, protective clothing such as a long-sleeved top and hat and have good quality eye protection.
Severe Chill Effect
Wind significantly lowers the ‘feels-like’ temperature relative to the actual temperature, with even moderate winds significantly adding to the chilling effect. Strong winds can result in a severe and debilitating wind chill many degrees below the actual temperature. This effect will be enhanced in rain or wet snow. Without protection, prolonged exposure could result in frost nip or frostbite on exposed parts of the body and/or hypothermia.
Mountain weather forecast
A largely dry day with sunny spells.
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
<05% | <05% | 20% | 20% | 10% | 10% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300m |
S
14
|
SW
14
|
S
12
|
S
14
|
SE
17
|
E
14
|
| 900m |
SW
11
|
SW
10
|
S
10
|
S
12
|
SE
14
|
E
11
|
| 600m |
S
14
|
SW
12
|
SW
9
|
S
11
|
SE
13
|
E
9
|
| 300m |
SW
7
|
SW
8
|
S
6
|
S
7
|
SE
9
|
NE
6
|
| Glen |
SW
5
|
SW
8
|
S
4
|
S
7
|
SE
6
|
NE
4
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300m | 17 | 18 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 18 |
| 900m | 14 | 14 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 17 |
| 600m | 16 | 16 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 12 |
| 300m | 12 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 11 |
| Glen | 12 | 13 | 8 | 12 | 12 | 9 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300m |
0°
|
0°
|
1°
|
2°
|
2°
|
1°
|
| 900m |
2°
|
3°
|
5°
|
6°
|
5°
|
4°
|
| 600m |
4°
|
5°
|
7°
|
8°
|
8°
|
7°
|
| 300m |
6°
|
7°
|
10°
|
11°
|
11°
|
9°
|
| Glen |
8°
|
10°
|
13°
|
14°
|
13°
|
10°
|
| Freezing Level |
1,100m
|
1,000m
|
1,200m
|
1,300m
|
1,400m
|
1,300m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| Time | 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300m |
-6°
|
-6°
|
-4°
|
-3°
|
-4°
|
-4°
|
| 900m |
-3°
|
-1°
|
2°
|
2°
|
1°
|
0°
|
| 600m |
0°
|
1°
|
4°
|
6°
|
5°
|
4°
|
| 300m |
4°
|
5°
|
9°
|
10°
|
9°
|
8°
|
| Glen |
6°
|
9°
|
12°
|
12°
|
12°
|
9°
|
Additional weather information
Met Office Aberdeen meteorologist's view
Moderate to high UV levels, sun protection recommended.
Weather
A bright day with some sunny spells. A few isolated showers are possible, most likely in the afternoon, but most hills staying dry. Dry with some clear spells after dark, but cloudier across Arran with a chance of rain.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
90%
Low cloud and visibility
Areas of cloud above 600-700m around dawn, soon breaking and lifting to clear the summits by mid-morning. Excellent visibility outside any early low cloud.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Dry with clear spells in the early hours. A largely sunny start. Patchy cloud building by late morning to give a few scattered showers around midday and early afternoon. Turning dry with clear spells in the evening.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
95%.
Maximum wind speed expected
East 10-15 mph gusting 20-25 mph.
Temperature
- At 800m Plus 3 Celsius rising to 8 Celsius.
- Glen Plus 5 Celsius rising to 13 Celsius.
- Freezing level Above the summits.
Low cloud and visibility
Little, if any, cloud expected on the hills, giving excellent visibility.
Mountain weather information
Thu 24 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
A dry day with sunny spells, but southeast winds becoming strong. A chance of rain and gales along the west coast in the evening or overnight. Freezing level above the summits.
Fri 25 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Cloudy with outbreaks of rain likely across the west coast, and perhaps spreading further east. Strong southerly winds with a risk of summit gales. Freezing level above the summits.
Sat 26 Apr
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Cloudy start with outbreaks of rain. Brightening up for a time with a few showers, but cloud and rain may increase later. Fresh to strong southwest winds. Freezing level above the summits.
Updated at:
Summit specific forecast
Mountain summit forecast map
Loading map…
Key
Mountain summits
Other points of interest
Cluster of multiple stations
Including Ben Nevis, Glen Coe and the rest of Lochaber, Argyll including the Isles, Loch Lomond, Trossachs and Arran
For snow and avalanche hazard forecasts please visit Scottish Avalanche Information Service