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.)
Monday's Forecast
Severe gale or storm, mobility very difficult
Severe conditions on the mountains, any movement very challenging, you may be blown over. 55-70mph+
Snow and rain mix
Precipitation falling mostly as snow on higher terrain, rain on low-to-middle elevations, may turn to sleet or rain higher up.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 0 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
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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Severe gale or storm, mobility very difficult
Severe conditions on the mountains, any movement very challenging, you may be blown over. 55-70mph+
Snow and rain mix
Precipitation falling mostly as snow on higher terrain, rain on low-to-middle elevations, may turn to sleet or rain higher up.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 0 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
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
Monday 12th January 2026
Last updated
Sun 11th Jan 26 at
1:43PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Extensive upland gales, although storm force at first N Scotland. Bands of showers, of hail, and snow higher areas, will merge to give periods of almost constant precipitation on many western mountains. Small risk thunder. Driest conditions will be on easternmost mountains and S Wales.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Severe gale or storm force upland wind. Snow and fog.
How windy? (On the Munros)
South to southwesterly 50mph, but 60 to 70mph at first - will ease from south.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mobility challenging, sometimes difficult to stand. Severe wind chill.
How Wet?
Frequent snow & hail, risk lightning, western mountains near Skye
Heavy showers, or sometimes constant precipitation with small risk lightning western mountains south from Torridon. Expect hail and above 750m snow - giving intermittent whiteout. Far fewer showers elsewhere. Very wet underfoot.
Cloud on the hills?
Almost all higher areas persistently foggy
Cloud intermittently below 400m western mountains south from Torridon where rare if any breaks to 750m. Higher cloud base elsewhere, often 800, rarely 1050m - but patches below 600m near showers.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
Almost nil but 20% Sutherland and Ben Wyvis
Sunshine and air clarity?
Rare or no sun. A general haze; visibility very poor in precipitation.
How Cold? (at 900m)
1C. Will feel as cold as -17C where exposed to the wind.
Freezing Level
1050m. Some terrain lower down still frozen and icy.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Tuesday 13th January 2026
Last updated
Sun 11th Jan 26 at
1:43PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Forecast confidence remains low: Most likely southwest or westerly 20 to 30mph, although there cold be a lull.
Effect of the wind on you?
Mostly fairly small, although risk arduous walking conditions.
How Wet?
Intermittent rain; snow higher areas
Unlikely to be dry, particularly near the coast where showery rain, or above 650m snow, may well be on and off. Fewer showers, with increasing chance of dry during daylight progressively eastwards.
Cloud on the hills?
Generally extensive
Higher areas probably cloud covered, but in rain, particularly near the coast, cloud base may drop below 400m for periods.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Little or no sunshine. Visibility sometimes very good although in rain poor or in snow appalling.
How Cold? (at 900m)
0 or -1C
Freezing Level
700 to perhaps 900m.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Wednesday 14th January 2026
Last updated
Sun 11th Jan 26 at
1:43PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
West backing southerly around 25mph before later in day strengthening to 40-50mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
May well be fairly small for several hours before walking.becomes increasingly difficult and wind chill significant.
How Wet?
Risk of snow an hail showers
Showers may come in off the sea giving hail and snow, although rain lower coastal slopes. Increasing threat precipitation setting in late in day.
Cloud on the hills?
Probably remaining extensive on most or all higher areas
Cloud sometimes forming below 450m near the coast,, particularly near Skye, but cloud base generally rising to 600 to 750m, highest well inland where there may be breaks to higher tops.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Occasional sunshine, mainly well inland. Visibility often very good, but very poor in snow.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-2C
Freezing Level
600m coastal hills, 400m elsewhere.
Planning Outlook
High rainfall and intermittently windy across most mountains over the next week or more as a series of Atlantic lows cross Britain. With uncertainty in the tracks of some lows, Tuesday's forecast remains very uncertain - but by Wednesday a transient weak ridge of high pressure will bring a brief improvement. Higher summits sometimes below freezing point S Scotland southwards: snow may accumulate on highest summits. Mostly below freezing Scottish Highlands enabling snow to accumulate widely.