Mountain Weather
Information Service
Northwest Highland Forecast

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

Light wind, negligible impact
Dry and sunny
Clear
Warm
Strong warm sunshine

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Click here to download the latest PDF Last Updated Mon 19th May 25 at 4:30PM Last Updated Mon 19th May 25 at 4:30PM
View our low-graphics version Last Updated Mon 19th May 25 at 4:30PM Last Updated Mon 19th May 25 at 4:30PM

Viewing Forecast For

The Northwest Highlands
Tuesday 20th May 2025
Last updated Mon 19th May 25 at 4:30PM

Summary for all mountain areas

Mostly sunny and warm in Scotland; some patchy low fog in the north at dawn. Sunny too in England and Wales, fair weather cloud building afternoon with localised showers. Local heavy bursts later in western areas (including Galloway) with chance of isolated lightning, showers more scattered across the Pennines. Fairly light wind for all.

Headline for The Northwest Highlands

Strong warm sunshine; cooler and breezy north

How windy? (On the Munros)

Northeasterly 10 to 15mph, more easterly 20mph northern tops at dawn. Shifting mostly northerly 10-15mph, some breezes reaching 20mph later in the day, notably around coasts.

Effect of the wind on you?

Mostly small

How Wet?

Rain very unlikely

Small chance of an odd showery burst later afternoon well inland in the south, soon fading.

Cloud on the hills?

Hills clear; some morning low fog north and east

Low fog briefly drifting onto low slopes of northernmost mountains at dawn, soon fading after sunrise. Some patchy low fog into glens in the east as well, also soon dissipating. Little if any towards the west coast.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

Becoming nearly certain

Sunshine and air clarity?

Strong sunshine, patchy fair weather cloud building in the afternoon, mostly in central and southern areas. Visibility excellent or superb.

How Cold? (at 900m)

7 or 8C at dawn, rising to 13C well inland. Staying nearer 11C on coastal slopes, slightly cooler around Ben Hope.

Freezing Level

Above the summits

Viewing Forecast For

The Northwest Highlands
Wednesday 21st May 2025
Last updated Mon 19th May 25 at 4:30PM

How windy? (On the Munros)

North to northeasterly 15 to 25mph, strongest coastal hills and in the far north. Northwesterly for a time afternoon.

Effect of the wind on you?

Fairly small, but may affect balance on some exposed ridges, feeling cool in exposure on tops.

How Wet?

Rain very unlikely

Cloud on the hills?

Little cloud expected; some banks north later

Patches briefly around some slopes in the morning, mainly toward north. More banks of cloud arrive from the north later afternoon onto middle and upper slopes; high tops in the far north may be out of cloud.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

80%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Patchwork of cloud and sun; sunniest near west coasts most of the day. Visibility excellent.

How Cold? (at 900m)

5 to 8C, may be locally warmer Kintail in middle of day. Risk later dropping toward freezing in north.

Freezing Level

Above the summits, but from dusk possibly dropping near to highest summits in far north.

Viewing Forecast For

The Northwest Highlands
Thursday 22nd May 2025
Last updated Mon 19th May 25 at 4:30PM

How windy? (On the Munros)

North to northeasterly 15-20mph.

Effect of the wind on you?

Mostly small

How Wet?

Little or no rain

An odd light shower may drift into northernmost mountains.

Cloud on the hills?

Banks in the north, lifting and breaking

Banks of cloud from 800m upward, mostly in the north; highest tops may be out of cloud at dawn. Higher bases and more patchy for central and south areas, little if any south. Cloud will lift and break above tops, a few caps come and go far north.

Chance of cloud free Munros?

40% north at first, rising to 90%

Sunshine and air clarity?

Intermittent or frequent sun, becoming a patchwork as fair weather cloud builds. Superb visibility.

How Cold? (at 900m)

0 or 1C at dawn, rising to 5C, some warmer patches Wester Ross and south. Little change on mountains in the far north.

Freezing Level

900-1000m, lifting off summits through morning. Highest summits of Sutherland may stay frozen.

Planning Outlook

High pressure weakens into midweek. Some passing rain/showery bursts into Wales and England on Wednesday will lead to a mostly dry Thursday and Friday. A northerly breeze will lower temperatures; freezing levels will lower to high terrain of north and east Scotland for a time. In the short-term, ground conditions remain extensively dry, water courses are very low and the fire risk is very high. Weather turns very unsettled into the weekend as a strong frontal system arrives from the west on Friday night, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to all areas. Showers and a brisk wind will follow into the weekend.