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
Moderate breeze, locally gusty
A noticeable breeze, feeling cool where exposed on tops. Locally may be gusty, but unlikely to affect walking progress. 15-25mph.
Snow
Snowfall continuous or frequent over the mountains, beware of conditions becoming challenging on higher terrain. At lower elevations falling as rain.
Whiteout
Fog and lying snow over the mountains, possibly with falling or blowing snow, very disorientating. Map and compass essential, beware of unseen hazards.
Cold
Air temperature below 0C all day on higher mountains. Significant chill factor if exposed to strong winds. Suitable protective clothing required.
Snowdrifts
Considerable lying snow over the mountains, with substantial drifting in places.
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Moderate breeze, locally gusty
A noticeable breeze, feeling cool where exposed on tops. Locally may be gusty, but unlikely to affect walking progress. 15-25mph.
Snow
Snowfall continuous or frequent over the mountains, beware of conditions becoming challenging on higher terrain. At lower elevations falling as rain.
Whiteout
Fog and lying snow over the mountains, possibly with falling or blowing snow, very disorientating. Map and compass essential, beware of unseen hazards.
Cold
Air temperature below 0C all day on higher mountains. Significant chill factor if exposed to strong winds. Suitable protective clothing required.
Snowdrifts
Considerable lying snow over the mountains, with substantial drifting in places.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Wednesday 7th January 2026
Last updated
Tue 6th Jan 26 at
4:20PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Gale-force NW'ly winds England, Wales and S Scotland, slowly lessen from west. Areas of snow falling over N & E Scotland tends to ease and become patchy. A few showers or flurries elsewhere, but largely dry SW Highlands. Much terrain remains frozen, substantial snow depths much of Highlands.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Blustery in places. Further snowfalls, fading to flurries.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Very variable direction and speed, mostly northerly toward western coasts, easterly in far north; in range 15 to 30mph, most persistently strong on Skye, whilst inland some lulls. Turning southwesterly into night.
Effect of the wind on you?
In places fairly small inland, but prepare for marked wind chill in exposure over many tops; near west coast and particularly Skye more frequently blustery on tops.
How Wet?
Some persistent snow mostly north
Snow falling fairly widely from dawn, sleet or rain coastal slopes; less toward Skye. Flurries tending to become lighter and patchier during day, but some light snow likely to persist, particularly northern areas.
Cloud on the hills?
Fairly extensive, locally varied
Cloud banks covering the hills fairly widely, from mid-slopes upward, locally persistently lower where snow lingers. Some local breaks may form onto some upper slopes during day.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Largely cloudy. Whiteout with difficult navigation on high tops in fog over snow; visibility poor generally where snow falls, local improvements possible.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-3C, up to -1C near west coast. Feeling like -10 to -13C if exposed to stronger winds.
Freezing Level
Near/below freezing glens upward inland; up to 400-500m nearest west coast and on Skye.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Thursday 8th January 2026
Last updated
Tue 6th Jan 26 at
4:20PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
South or southwesterly, speed may vary, 15 to 30mph, strongest toward Ben Hope.
Effect of the wind on you?
Fairly small some areas, but feeling blustery with marked wind chill on exposed tops and ridges northern hills.
How Wet?
Patchy light snow
Occasional snow flurries, mostly western areas, sleet or rain lower coastal slopes.
Cloud on the hills?
Varied cloud mostly higher areas
Patchy cloud around upper slopes and corries, most common toward west coast. Some mist lower down inland.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
50%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Mostly cloudy, some glimpses of sun. Visibility very good where dry, reducing in showers. Beware difficult navigation if in fog over snow cover on tops.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-3C, up to -1C Skye and nearest coast.
Freezing Level
Most terrain frozen and snow covered, some glens stay sub-zero. In places just above freezing to 400m, or 600m coasts.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Friday 9th January 2026
Last updated
Tue 6th Jan 26 at
4:20PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Variable direction, mostly below 15-20mph, in places often little wind.
Effect of the wind on you?
Likely small.
How Wet?
Coastal showers, snow tops
Showers mostly near to the coasts, falling as snow on tops, possibly hail at times; mostly rain on low-mid slopes.
Cloud on the hills?
Varied patches
Patchy cloud clinging to some upper slopes and corries, but expect clearer spells over many mountains. Larger cloud banks near coast if showers occur.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
60%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Any sun weak due to a veil of high cloud. Visibility very good over many hills, some haze or mist inland glens.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-1 to -3C.
Freezing Level
Terrain frozen into the glens, some slopes around 300-500m inland just above freezing point, or up to 700m coasts.
Planning Outlook
Terrain remaining widely frozen into the weekend, extensive deep snow cover for Highlands, less nearer the central belt. An additional substantial snowfall for Wales & Peak District on Thursday night, accompanied by gales. A fairly benign end to the week for Scotland, showers near some west coasts. By late Saturday into Sunday, southerly winds strengthen to gales - as a frontal system approaches, snow then freezing rain is likely, before at least a temporary rise of freezing level - some thawing develops on lower terrain, most pronounced in Wales toward higher slopes. Chilly patterns next week with some further hill snow, many mountains often sub-zero, but overall less cold.