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.)
Saturday's Forecast
Light wind, negligible impact
Little wind or walking hardly affected by the wind, but feeling chilly if exposed on tops. 10-15mph or less.
Winter sunshine
Bright sunshine most of the day with the mountains generally free of cloud. Snow cover on higher terrain.
Clear
Excellent or superb visibility, no navigation issues.
Cold
Air temperature below 0C all day on higher mountains. Significant chill factor if exposed to strong winds. Suitable protective clothing required.
Winter kit required on higher terrain
Snow cover over higher mountains. Safe progress over some terrain will require suitable footwear - possibly crampons and ice-axe where necessary.
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Light wind, negligible impact
Little wind or walking hardly affected by the wind, but feeling chilly if exposed on tops. 10-15mph or less.
Winter sunshine
Bright sunshine most of the day with the mountains generally free of cloud. Snow cover on higher terrain.
Clear
Excellent or superb visibility, no navigation issues.
Cold
Air temperature below 0C all day on higher mountains. Significant chill factor if exposed to strong winds. Suitable protective clothing required.
Winter kit required on higher terrain
Snow cover over higher mountains. Safe progress over some terrain will require suitable footwear - possibly crampons and ice-axe where necessary.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Saturday 14th February 2026
Last updated
Fri 13th Feb 26 at
12:23PM
Summary for all mountain areas
A transient ridge of high pressure will bring a cold but mostly sunny day although a few snow flurries on some western hills. Nearly all terrain frozen. Toward dusk, initially near the west coast the wind will increase quickly - ahead of severe upland gales and snow overnight.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Terrain frozen. Light wind; extensive sun but the odd snow flurry.
How windy? (On the Munros)
West later southerly, initially 20mph before a prolonged lull of 10-15mph. Strengthening quickly toward dusk - may exceed 40mph by 6pm.
Effect of the wind on you?
Small or negligible - but very difficult conditions quickly developing from dusk.
How Wet?
Extensively dry: risk snow showers
Most mountains dry. But risk of a snow shower or flurry.
Cloud on the hills?
Nearly all mountains cloud free
Most hills free of cloud,. Here and there, cloud persisting higher slopes and corries, whilst near showers cloud will come in at around 600m.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
80%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Bright sunshine many areas before high level cloud spreads east afternoon. Toward the coast, intermittently cloudy. Excellent or superb visibility.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-3 or -4C. With time, feeling as cold as -15 to 18C in wind.
Freezing Level
Terrain frozen from valleys up. Through day freezing level becoming 400 to 600m, highest west coastal and sunlit slopes.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Sunday 15th February 2026
Last updated
Fri 13th Feb 26 at
12:23PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Mostly westerly 35mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Significant wind chill and widely arduous walking on higher areas. Particularly difficult conditions near precipitation.
How Wet?
Frequent hail and snow
Persistent snow before dawn. Then succession of sudden, sometimes heavy, hail and snow showers - in places precipitation rarely ceasing over an hour or two giving whiteout. Small risk lightning.
Cloud on the hills?
Almost persistently covering the mountains; rapid cloud base changes.
Sometimes breaking to near or above 900m at least fleetingly, but overall extensive cloud above 600m, and sometimes forming on lower slopes near precipitation.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
Less than 10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Bursts of sunshine, mainly lower slopes near Ben Wyvis. Fleetingly excellent visibility, but abruptly appalling or near zero in snow.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-1C. Will feel as close to minus 12C where exposed to the wind.
Freezing Level
Nearly all terrain frozen, albeit freezing level rising from below erratically toward 800 or 900m.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Monday 16th February 2026
Last updated
Fri 13th Feb 26 at
12:23PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Northerly 30 to 40mph
Effect of the wind on you?
Considerable wind chill and walking arduous - or particularly near precipitation sometimes difficult.
How Wet?
Frequent snow
Snow and hail showers, sometimes one after another, giving whiteout, and risk of the precipitation almost constant for a few hours. Least precipitation near Great Glen.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive; highest cloud base toward Great Glen
Cloud base varying, sometimes quickly, between 350m near precipitation and otherwise 600 to 800m. Toward the Great Glen, cloud rarely below 450m and breaks toward 1000m.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Occasional sunshine mainly toward Great Glen. Very varied visibility; intermittently appalling or near zero in snow, but otherwise excellent.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-6C. Will feel around minus 16C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
600m, dropping toward 400m. Some valleys frozen after a frost.
Planning Outlook
Persistent cold most mountain areas, particularly across Scotland next week. Further snow from time to time. England and particularly Wales will have intermittently higher freezing levels resulting in freeze-thaw cycles.