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.)
Friday'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.
Heavy snow and hail showers, isolated lightning
Showery precipitation, often heavy, may merge to become constant for periods. A mix of snow and hail often falling to lower slopes. Risk of very localised thunder and lightning.
Clear over snow cover
Excellent or superb visibility, but be aware that paths over the mountains may be obscured by lying snow.
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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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.
Heavy snow and hail showers, isolated lightning
Showery precipitation, often heavy, may merge to become constant for periods. A mix of snow and hail often falling to lower slopes. Risk of very localised thunder and lightning.
Clear over snow cover
Excellent or superb visibility, but be aware that paths over the mountains may be obscured by lying snow.
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
Friday 13th February 2026
Last updated
Thu 12th Feb 26 at
12:55PM
Summary for all mountain areas
A change in the pattern as cold air will have extended south overnight. Nearly all mountain terrain frozen in Scotland whilst further south, particularly higher terrain progressively freezes. Patches of snow, at times persistent Wales, but otherwise total precipitation small.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Snow and hail showers. Nearly all terrain frozen.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Northerly 20mph. Abruptly gusty near showers.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mostly small; nevertheless sudden buffeting and considerable wind chill near showers.
How Wet?
Snow and hail showers; frequent Sutherland and near coast
Snow and hail showers, some heavy, frequent Sutherland, Wester Ross and Cuillin. Elsewhere, showers occasionally, mostly only a few flurries toward Great Glen.
Cloud on the hills?
Cloud base varying; lowest and most persistent Sutherland & coastal hills
Sutherland, Wester Ross and Cuillin: Cloud base varying typically from 450m near precipitation to otherwise 600 to 800m - although a few breaks to higher tops. Elsewhere: well scattered cloud, rarely below 900m and summits often clearing.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20% Sutherland, Wester Ross and Cuillin to 60% elsewhere
Sunshine and air clarity?
Sutherland, Wester Ross and Cuillin: Sunshine briefly, excellent or superb visibility but very poor in snow. Elsewhere: Patchwork of bright sun and superb visibility.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-5C.
Freezing Level
Nearly all terrain frozen although partial thawing lower, mainly sunlit slopes.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Saturday 14th February 2026
Last updated
Thu 12th Feb 26 at
12:55PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
West later southerly, initially 20mph before a prolonged lull of 10-15mph. Strengthening quickly toward dusk.
Effect of the wind on you?
Small by day - but very difficult conditions quickly developing into the night.
How Wet?
Extensively dry: risk snow showers
Most mountain areas dry. But a few snow showers and small risk of frequent snow for 2 or 3 hours Sutherland.
Cloud on the hills?
Many mountains free of cloud
Most hills free of cloud,. Here and there, cloud persisting higher slopes and corries, whilst near showers cloud will come in at around 600m. In far north, risk of extensive fog above 450 to 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, particularly far north may be 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
All terrain frozen from dawn. Near the west coast, lifting to 300-400m. Some sun-exposed low slopes to thaw as well.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Sunday 15th February 2026
Last updated
Thu 12th Feb 26 at
12:55PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Mostly westerly 30 to sometimes 40mph. But at first, a very gusty 55mph, then perhaps a temporary lull.
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 soon easing. 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 erratically toward 800 or 900m.
Planning Outlook
Widespread snow and severe upland gales Saturday night followed by very blustery showery conditions on Sunday - although a temporary thaw at least on lower slopes. Otherwise very much drier over the coming week. Bright sunshine and excellent visibility frequently on many mountain areas, although hail and snow showers in some areas with most upland areas frequently frozen.