The Northwest Highlands Forecast
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 Weather Forecast for Tuesday 3rd March 2015
Forecast last updated on Monday 2nd March 2015 at 1:54pm
Click here to access the PDF version of the forecast.
Click here to view low graphics format of the forecast.Summary for all mountain areas
Severe conditions particularly across the western Scottish mountains; upland gales strengthening toward storm force, snow and hail almost constant over several hours. Elsewhere, snow showers, most frequent toward west. Risk occasional lightning.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Severe conditions: upland gales strengthening, near constant snow/hail.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwest veering westerly, 35 increasing to 50 or locally 60mph, strongest western mountains south from Ullapool. Risk gusts 70mph. Low confidence - but toward far north, there may be a temporary lull.
Effect of wind on you?
Expect considerable buffeting and severe wind chill; making walking difficult on most higher areas.
How Wet?
Snow and hail rarely ceasing; risk lightning
Near constant snow or hail on western mountains, and particularly south from Ullapool, risk setting in for several hours. Risk thunder and whiteout. Sleet lowest slopes.
Cloud on the hills?
Often covering tops
Varied cloud bases, but dropping below 600m during heavy precipitation. Occasionally breaks developing to or above 1000m, mostly inland and north of Torridon.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20% near/on Skye; 40% Sutherland & N of Ullapool.
Sunshine and air clarity?
Rare bursts of sunshine, mostly inland and toward the east. Visibility reduced by precipitation; appalling or near zero where in cloud and snow.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-4C
Freezing Level
300m, or 400m near west coast. Slight melting of snow lowest slopes.
Planning Outlook
All mountain areas of Britain from Wednesday 4th March 2015
Remaining cold on Wednesday with further snow and hail showers, although conditions easing. By Thursday, rain and snow on higher areas, particularly western Scotland. A rise in freezing level will result in a steady thaw of lying snow, most substantial lower slopes. Toward the weekend, high pressure building across southern Britain brings widespread milder air. However upland gales are expected across Scotland, and substantial precipitation (mostly rain) particularly the West Highlands; resulting in significant snow melt.
