Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Cairngorms National Park and Monadhliath. Also includes the Ben Alder area hills between Loch Ericht and Loch Laggan.
Today's Forecast
Severe gale or storm, mobility very difficult
Severe conditions on the mountains, any movement very challenging, you may be blown over. 55-70mph+
Winter sunshine
Blue skies and sparkling winter sunshine
Clear
Excellent or superb visibility, no navigation issues.
Mild
Temperatures +5C or above on higher summits. Comfortable temperatures on lower terrain, but feeling cool if exposed to breeze higher up, especially if stationary. Pack extra layers.
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Severe gale or storm, mobility very difficult
Severe conditions on the mountains, any movement very challenging, you may be blown over. 55-70mph+
Winter sunshine
Blue skies and sparkling winter sunshine
Clear
Excellent or superb visibility, no navigation issues.
Mild
Temperatures +5C or above on higher summits. Comfortable temperatures on lower terrain, but feeling cool if exposed to breeze higher up, especially if stationary. Pack extra layers.
Viewing Forecast For
Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Thursday 16th January 2025
Last updated
Wed 15th Jan 25 at
4:34PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Almost all mountains cloud free but low level fog coming in off the south and west coasts and rolling up some coastal uplands and mountains. Many summits warmer than their mid-slopes. Sudden increase of wind with height; very gusty gales in the Highlands. Hazy low down in some areas; superb visibility from high ground.
Headline for Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Gusty upland gales; nearly all summits cloud free
How windy? (On the Munros)
South to southwesterly; strengthening markedly with height to 45mph. On the Cairngorm plateau 60mph or locally higher is possible.
Effect of the wind on you?
Difficult walking conditions and severe wind chill, particularly Cairngorms. Expect considerable buffeting in very powerful gusts.
How Wet?
Rain not expected
Cloud on the hills?
Little if any
Mountains nearly all cloud free. There may be fragments of cloud some slopes Ben Alder area.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
80%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Extensive bright sunshine and superb visibility.
How Cold? (at 900m)
8C to perhaps 12C. Slightly cooler on the mid-slopes. Will feel as cold as -6C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Viewing Forecast For
Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Friday 17th January 2025
Last updated
Wed 15th Jan 25 at
4:34PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly 45 to 60mph, with the highest speeds likely in the morning. Very gusty, particularly on mid-slopes.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mobility difficult where exposed to the full strength of the wind, especially morning. Gusts may easily blow you over. Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Little or no rain
Cloud on the hills?
Widespread
Cloud will shroud most higher ground, from mid-slopes up. Highest chances of breaks in the Northern Cairngorms.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
30%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Patchy sunshine at times in northern regions. Excellent visibility if out of cloud.
How Cold? (at 900m)
7C but cooler on the mid-slopes. Feeling as cold as -10C in the wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Viewing Forecast For
Cairngorms NP and Monadhliath
Saturday 18th January 2025
Last updated
Wed 15th Jan 25 at
4:34PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Gusty south to southwesterly 25 to 35mph, probably highest in the morning.
Effect of the wind on you?
Your balance will be affected on high ground. Beware gusts throwing you further off balance on down-slope slopes. Marked or significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Not expected
Cloud on the hills?
Very little if any
Chance of cloud free Munros?
80%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Extensive sunshine, possibly weakened by high cloud. Excellent visibility becoming superb on high ground.
How Cold? (at 900m)
Uncertainly due to inversion height. Possibly 1C, but northern regions may be up to 8C. Risk feeling around -10C in wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Planning Outlook
Rain moving in some areas from the west on Sunday and Monday before high pressure starts building again and suppressing any rainfall to pockets of drizzle. Conditions may become gloomy low down as cloud is trapped below inversion; summits likely to remain clear with superb visibility. Freeze-thaw cycles will resume on the Scottish mountains though next week.