The Northwest Highlands
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.)
Wednesday's Forecast
Windy, walking impeded
Blustery conditions enough to give buffeting on higher terrain or affect balance on exposed ridges. 25 to 40mph.
Patchy rain or drizzle
Rain on and off, or generally drizzly - total amounts small, but may be persistently damp, especially where hills are shrouded in cloud.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 1 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
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.
Patchy rain or drizzle
Rain on and off, or generally drizzly - total amounts small, but may be persistently damp, especially where hills are shrouded in cloud.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 1 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Wednesday 17th September 2025
Last updated
Tue 16th Sep 25 at
4:30PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Strong upland wind, gale force at times. Persistently damp morning across all west-coastal regions, fading to various extents into the afternoon. Extensive cloud in most areas. Very wet underfoot in England and Wales with streams in spate after heavy overnight rain.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Upland gale developing; generally damp
How windy? (On the Munros)
South or southeasterly 25mph becoming southwesterly 30-45mph. Increasing further to 50mph or even 55mph by late afternoon or early evening.
Effect of the wind on you?
Soon arduous, blustery conditions, affecting ease of walking and balance on ridges. Further deterioration into evening. Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Rain on and off
Light rain on and off throughout the day, potentially becoming more persistent, and perhaps heavier, for a few hours in places and in particular on Skye. Northernmost regions: largely dry until late morning and then patchy rain after.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive near west coast
Cloud extensive on high ground, especially where rain is frequent. Struggling to lift above 600m on and near Skye. Northernmost regions may only have patchy cloud.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10% Skye to Ullapool; 50% far north
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sun through high cloud. Visibility very good if dry, reduced to poor in and near showers.
How Cold? (at 900m)
7C. Feeling sub-zero in the wind, -5C or below as speeds increase.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Thursday 18th September 2025
Last updated
Tue 16th Sep 25 at
4:30PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Forecast details still uncertain. Southwesterly 45 to 55mph, risk sustained 65mph. Very gusty.
Effect of the wind on you?
Difficult walking conditions will make progress challenging. Very powerful gusts may easily blow you over. Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Likely wet near west coast
Heavy, on-and-off showers likely near the west coast. These may merge to feel become persistent rain. Chance of regions north of Ullapool reaming dry.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive where raining
Extensive cloud down to lower west-coastal slopes where in rain. Regions that remain dry will have a much higher cloud base and north of Ullapool may have little or no cloud.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Little or no sun in many places, but patchy or widespread sunshine if out of rain. Poor visibility near the west coast.
How Cold? (at 900m)
7C. Feeling around -5C in the wind.
Freezing Level
Well above the summits.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Friday 19th September 2025
Last updated
Tue 16th Sep 25 at
4:30PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Forecast details uncertain. West to southwesterly 30-45mph. Chance of a lull to 20-25mph in afternoon.
Effect of the wind on you?
Feeling blustery with balance affected at times, especially morning. Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Showery
Showers on and off through the day, particularly near the west coast. There is a chance these may fade in the afternoon. Only a few 'spots in the wind' reaching Ben Wyvis.
Cloud on the hills?
Widespread
Cloud shrouding most higher ground, especially near the coast. Base will lower and cloud thicken during and after any showers. Highest cloud base will be near Ben Wyvis, but summits are unlikely to clear.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of weak sunshine at times. Poor or very poor visibility.
How Cold? (at 900m)
6C. Feeling below -5C in the wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Planning Outlook
Extensive rain and gales into midweek, likely wettest on west-coastal regions. Areas of rain and showers frequently in the forecast later in the week. Temperatures near-average, but feeling cool when exposed to wind. A chillier northwesterly may emerge by next weekend, briefly dropping near freezing on the highest Scottish tops. Indications then favour higher pressure at least briefly expanding northwards early next week for some drier days, but unlikely to settle down for long.