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.)
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Saturday 29th February 2020
Last updated
Saturday 29th February 2020 at
7:34 AM
Summary for all mountain areas
A complex weather situation. An early zone of rain and upland snow clears away eastwards, with cloud breaking widely. Then another area of heavy snow spreads in from the west into the afternoon. Wind speeds varied; least windy northern Scotland, but increasingly stormy across hills of England & Wales.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Dry following early snow/rain; snow may return around Skye.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Varied south or southeasterly, at dawn may be 40mph, then mostly 20-30mph with occasional lulls. For periods around Skye & Great Glen may return to 40mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Sometimes small, but beware of changing conditions giving periods of arduous walking conditions and significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Becoming dry after early rain/snow clears; snow may return to Skye.
Early snow & rain will break up within a few hours of dawn, becoming generally dry for several hours, likely until dusk in far north. However, locally on/near Skye increasing risk of snow becoming abruptly heavy during afternoon giving whiteout (precise extent of snow uncertain).
Cloud on the hills?
Clearing most summits
Extensive fog after dawn, in places, 'hanging' on some lower slopes. Will improve, though perhaps not until late morning far north, as most summits clear for several hours. Risk sudden deterioration again late in day.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
70%
Sunshine and air clarity?
A few hours of bright sunshine and excellent or superb visibility as cloud and precipitation clears northwards, and before the risk of next cloud and precipitation band late in day.
How Cold? (at 900m)
1C after dawn, but dropping to -4C by early afternoon. Where exposed to strongest winds, feeling close to -15C.
Freezing Level
Temporarily 1000m at dawn, then lowering, soonest on/near Skye, to 400-600m; local variations, generally highest far north.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Sunday 1st March 2020
Last updated
Saturday 29th February 2020 at
7:34 AM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Low confidence as a low centre passes close by: speeds may be low, but risk westerly 30 to 50mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Risk of walking being arduous or difficult for at least part of the day.
How Wet?
Intermittent snow
Bands of snow around an area of low pressure may be relatively local - with some areas remaining substantially dry. Nevertheless, in snow, anticipate whiteout.
Cloud on the hills?
Some summits cloud free.
Cloud base likely to vary, perhaps widely within short distances. Away from precipitation breaks to higher tops, but areas where fog shrouds even lower slopes are probable.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Areas of intermittent sun and very good visibility interspersed with areas of thick cloud and very poor or appalling visibility.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-2C
Freezing Level
550m
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Monday 2nd March 2020
Last updated
Saturday 29th February 2020 at
7:34 AM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Westerly or variable, speeds varied (detail uncertain), intermittent lulls, but for periods risk 30 to 50mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Expect buffeting and significant wind chill across the hills; conditions may vary through the day.
How Wet?
Snow may be frequent
Areas of showers, risk merging to give frequent precipitation over several hours, particularly coastal hills in west. Snow or sometimes hail, small risk thunder. Rain lower slopes around the coast.
Cloud on the hills?
Fairly extensive
Cloud shrouding the mountains most of the day above 800m, but dropping below 500m if precipitation sets in. Briefly lifting toward higher slopes.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Occasional sun, mostly eastern areas. Visibility sometimes very good, but very poor for periods if in constant snow.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-2C
Freezing Level
600-700m, highest near west coast, may rise slightly through day.
Planning Outlook
Remaining cold into the start of March, with westerly winds generally prevailing. Scottish mountains staying sub-zero much of the time, whilst England & Wales will see periods of freeze and thaw, and snow more often confined to higher slopes. Precipitation remaining focused on western mountains. Lower terrain staying very wet underfoot. Wind speeds varied, occasional lulls, but also gales at times. Some indications of higher pressure into the second week of March.