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.)
Today'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.
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Cool to mild
Air temperature 5 to 10C on higher terrain. Comfortable temperatures on lower terrain, but feeling chilly if exposed to wind higher up, especially if stationary. Pack extra layers.
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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.
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Cool to mild
Air temperature 5 to 10C on higher terrain. Comfortable temperatures on lower terrain, but feeling chilly if exposed to wind higher up, especially if stationary. Pack extra layers.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Last updated
Tue 2nd Jun 26 at
3:39PM
Summary for all mountain areas
A band of rain sweeps across the country bringing several hours of persistent rain and extensive fog: first in Wales, then England and much of Scotland by early afternoon. Breaking to frequent showers, risk isolated lightning. Very windy England and Wales, gales over Wales summits.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Morning showery rain, setting in with fog afternoon
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southerly early 15-20mph, shifting southeasterly, speeds to 20-25mph south and west coast. A trend towards more easterly winds in the north later; direction more variable Skye. Small risk briefly reaching 30mph over high tops later.
Effect of the wind on you?
Fairly small effects in the morning, but ease of walking will be impacted near Skye with time; some variability further north, but only small risk becoming strenuous.
How Wet?
Showery rain, more persistent afternoon
Showery rain drifting from the south through morning, a few local heavy bursts, some dry windows too. Afternoon sees a rising risk of more persistent rain drifting from the south and east, heavy bursts remain probable. May break up somewhat north and west later.
Cloud on the hills?
Fairly persistent Skye and west
Through morning, banks coming and going above 500-800m, a few clear moments between showers. Through afternoon cloud becomes extensive from the south, likely from at least 700m upward, lower bases south and eastern hills.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
50% through morning, lowering to 20% afternoon.
Sunshine and air clarity?
Some patchy sun in the morning between showers, high cloud building from the south for an overcast afternoon. Excellent visibility out of cloud, but increasingly poor with more rain and cloud.
How Cold? (at 900m)
5 or 6C at dawn, all areas rising to at least 6C, mildest east and north where may reach up to 8C east of Ullapool. Feeling near freezing in strongest wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Thursday 4th June 2026
Last updated
Tue 2nd Jun 26 at
3:39PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Variable 15mph early, locally lower. Trending westerly, rising to 20-25mph, strongest Skye, sometimes 30mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Fairly small, but some gustier areas, then more widely blustery, affecting comfortable walking over tops. Marked wind chill.
How Wet?
Bursts of rain on and off, risk lightning
Showery rain merging in places into more constant falls, often drizzly west; some heavy bursts inland and eastward by afternoon, risk thunder. Showers may fade through afternoon into evening.
Cloud on the hills?
Fairly extensive, varied
Often covering the higher mountains all day, but varying in extent and height, some ragged patches from forest canopies up during and after rain. Base rising afternoon, some breaks in west if drier, but above 900m likely stays in cloud.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Sun breaking through mainly west coastal areas during afternoon. Visibility occasionally good when dry, but poor in rain; improving in west.
How Cold? (at 900m)
5 or 6C, may reach 7C Ben Wyvis. Lowering into night. Feeling below freezing in wind, near -3C in strongest wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Friday 5th June 2026
Last updated
Tue 2nd Jun 26 at
3:39PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Westerly 25-35mph early, gusting 40mph northern tops. Shifting southwesterly 15-25mph, gusting 30mph west coast.
Effect of the wind on you?
Strenuous walking early north, balance affected and significant wind chill; easing, but walking remains impeded on tops.
How Wet?
Morning rain soon patchy, dry windows
A band of rain affecting west slopes from around dawn, heavy falls briefly northwest; only spots towards Ben Wyvis. The rain soon passes northward, patchy rain follows, mostly southwest areas; dry windows likely.
Cloud on the hills?
Lifting to summits with breaks
Fairly extensive at dawn, bases widely to 700m and lower in the northwest, as well as Skye and nearby coastal hills. A lifting and breaking trend as the morning gets going, to likely just banks coming and going over the tops, always most often west coast.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
Rising to 60%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Patchy sunshine. Very good visibility.
How Cold? (at 900m)
3 to 5C, mildest east; little or no rise west coast. Feeling like -5C in strongest early wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Planning Outlook
An unsettled spell this week with low pressure over the north Atlantic and west-southwesterly winds dominating. Periods of rain mixed with showery days widely - the most constant rain over western mountains with low cloud often shrouding the hills; bases will typically lift somewhat afternoon. Wind speed will vary, but up to gale-force for periods over the hills this week. Temperatures near average, cooler at times. A brief brighter window Friday afternoon, then unsettled again over the weekend, though detail is currently uncertain. Next week is probably unsettled as well, at least in the north, but higher pressure south of the UK may bring drier and brighter periods to Wales and south Pennines. Scotland remains often blustery and wet, and perhaps chilly, risk briefly freezing on highest tops.