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.)
Sunday's Forecast
Gale force, walking arduous
Considerable buffeting, walking into the wind will be strenuous on exposed terrain, stronger gusts may knock you off your feet. 40 to 55mph.
Heavy snow
Continuous or almost constant heavy snowfall, large flakes falling to low elevations. Beware of near-zero visibility from falling or blowing snow, risk of blizzard conditions.
Whiteout
Fog and lying snow over the mountains, possibly with falling or blowing snow, very disorientating. Map and compass essential, beware of unseen hazards.
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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Gale force, walking arduous
Considerable buffeting, walking into the wind will be strenuous on exposed terrain, stronger gusts may knock you off your feet. 40 to 55mph.
Heavy snow
Continuous or almost constant heavy snowfall, large flakes falling to low elevations. Beware of near-zero visibility from falling or blowing snow, risk of blizzard conditions.
Whiteout
Fog and lying snow over the mountains, possibly with falling or blowing snow, very disorientating. Map and compass essential, beware of unseen hazards.
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
Sunday 15th March 2026
Last updated
Sat 14th Mar 26 at
12:29PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Widespread rain - snow higher areas Scotland and finishing as snow higher summits elsewhere, will from the west clear (as temperatures drop) to squally hail and snow showers. Upland winds will be close to gale force, and although improving, still extensive low cloud.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Upland gales; frequent snow and fog - whiteout.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Westerly 40mph; very gusty near precipitation. At dawn temporarily 60mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Arduous or difficult walking and significant wind chill where exposed.
How Wet?
Frequent snow and hail; whiteout
Widespread rain after dawn, snow temporarily confined to higher tops, soon above 450m. By mid or late morning, succession of sometimes heavy and very frequent hail and snow showers (most rain only lowest slopes). Intermittent whiteout; isolated thunder.
Cloud on the hills?
Very extensive across the mountains; sudden drops in cloud base
Extensive fog - covering even lower hills near Skye - for a few hours from dawn. Then quickly varying cloud base: between 450m (locally lower) and 600m near precipitation and otherwise 700 to perhaps briefly 1000m near Great Glen and Ben Wyvis.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sun from late morning, mainly lower slopes well inland. Varied visibility; appalling in precipitation but otherwise good - although a haze.
How Cold? (at 900m)
Soon -2C, but- temporarily 0 to 2C post dawn. Will feel as cold as minus 15C where exposed to the wind.
Freezing Level
Soon between 400 and 600m; briefly up to 1100m at and post dawn.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Monday 16th March 2026
Last updated
Sat 14th Mar 26 at
12:29PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
West backing southwesterly; 50 to 65mph most of morning. Then gradually easing to around 40mph in a slight lull.
Effect of the wind on you?
Severe wind chill and difficult walking. Any mobility may well be a struggle at least in the morning - especially near precipitation.
How Wet?
Frequent hail and snow
Shower after shower; sometimes particularly morning the precipitation - often hail and above 300, later 600m snow - almost constant giving whiteout. Precipitation will become widespread at least near Skye later in afternoon.
Cloud on the hills?
Rarely if at all clearing higher summits.
Cloud base will vary: near precipitation forming below 450m, sometimes 300m. Otherwise, cloud base 600m morning, and 800 to perhaps temporarily 1000m (most likely Sutherland and eastern summits elsewhere) into the afternoon.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sun only - mainly lower slopes well inland. Persistent haze at best; appalling visibility in precipitation.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-2C, rising toward 0C. Will feel as cold as minus 18C due to wind chill.
Freezing Level
600m, rising toward 900m.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Tuesday 17th March 2026
Last updated
Sat 14th Mar 26 at
12:29PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southerly 50 to sometimes 70mph. Very gusty; powerful gusts some lower slopes.
Effect of the wind on you?
Significant wind chill and in severe gales, mobility widely difficult. Balance a struggle; you could be blown over, in places on lower slopes.
How Wet?
Rain: extensive near Skye
Skye and adjacent mainland as far as 10 to 15 miles inland: Frequent or incessant rain and drizzle. Elsewhere: Frequently dry, or just a little drizzle in wind - though possibly steadier rain edging inland as day proceeds.
Cloud on the hills?
Blanket of fog near Skye - higher, perhaps much higher cloud base elsewhere
Skye and adjacent mainland as far as 10 to 15 miles inland: Persistent fog, covering some south facing coastal cliffs, to widely 100-400m. Elsewhere: In rain, patches of fog from lower slopes up. But most cloud above 750 to perhaps sometimes 1000m.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
Almost nil near Skye; 30% elsewhere
Sunshine and air clarity?
Skye and adjacent mainland as far as 10 to 15 miles inland: Dull and murky. Elsewhere: Pockets of sun here and there; visibility good or sometimes excellent.
How Cold? (at 900m)
5C - small risk dropping to 2C from west.
Freezing Level
Above the summits
Planning Outlook
An abrupt transition will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Areas of low cloud, drizzly rain and strong winds will continue to affect mainly western mountains until Wednesday. But then as pressure builds north of Britain it will become extensively fine; cloud often clearing, particularly western Britain, and temperature levels more varied - fairly warm some afternoons but frost widely at night.