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
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.
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Hazy, some fog banks
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Distant views reduced by haze, locally foggy for a time in valleys and some hill slopes.
Cold
Air temperature below 0C all day on higher mountains. Significant chill factor if exposed to strong winds. Suitable protective clothing required.
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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.
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Hazy, some fog banks
Distant views reduced by haze, locally foggy for a time in valleys and some hill slopes.
Cold
Air temperature below 0C all day on higher mountains. Significant chill factor if exposed to strong winds. Suitable protective clothing required.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Saturday 14th November 2026
Last updated
Fri 13th Nov 26 at
2:12PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Windy across higher areas, particularly so those near the north Irish Sea and Scottish Highlands (where widespread upland gales). Drizzly rain will affect some western mountains, but otherwise extensively dry. Much mountain terrain at least partly frozen, particularly morning.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Upland gales; Rain (snow higher tops) coastal hills.
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly, increasing markedly with height to 45mph, strongest near the coast and also far northern summits where sometimes 55mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Higher up significant wind chill and challenging walking, especially in far north where general mobility sometimes difficult.
How Wet?
Rain or higher up snow on and off
Areas of frequent showery rain - or above 450 later 750m snow, interspersed with dry areas will drift across region. Wettest near the coast, particularly far north; very little easternmost areas (e.g. Ben Wyvis).
Cloud on the hills?
Most mountains persistently foggy. Cloud base progressively higher eastwards.
Near the coast, cloud base typically 400 to 600m, whilst well inland 450 to 750m, and perhaps reaching 900m Ben Wyvis.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Sunshine now and again, mainly lower slopes well inland. Persistently hazy, or foggy, particularly western mountains.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-1C rising to 1C. Will feel as cold as minus 15C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
500 to 750m (highest coastal summits) rising toward 1100m. Highest freezing level near the coast.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Sunday 15th November 2026
Last updated
Fri 13th Nov 26 at
2:12PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Still considerable uncertainty: Northerly mostly in the range 25 to 35mph, but near coast perhaps 50mph morning.
Effect of the wind on you?
Sometimes small, but zones where wind chill severe and walking difficult - these challenging conditions could set in abruptly.
How Wet?
Periods of, or persistent snow.
A band of steady precipitation may persist most of day before changing from northwest to squally showers; falling as snow to or below 200m.
Cloud on the hills?
Fog across the mountains all day
Fog in some areas from lower slopes up, though in Sutherland, although still patches from above forest canopies, most cloud may be above 600m.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Sunshine not expected. Regions of appalling visibility. Possibly excellent far north.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-4C, possibly 2C near Great Glen at first
Freezing Level
400m, possibly above the summits near Great Glen.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Monday 16th November 2026
Last updated
Fri 13th Nov 26 at
2:12PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Northwesterly; dropping from 40-50mph at dawn to 20-30mph by dusk. Windiest Sutherland & Ben Wyvis, lightest near Skye
Effect of the wind on you?
Significant wind chill and considerable buffeting from lower slopes up in gusty winds. Walking difficult higher areas, particularly morning.
How Wet?
Snow/hail showers, mostly morning
Squally snow and hail showers all day, some heavy. Generally showers becoming fewer and less heavy through day, particularly toward Skye. Mostly rain below 300m.
Cloud on the hills?
Very extensive; cloud base changing quickly.
Fog rarely clearing above 750m, perhaps 900m Ben Wyvis and near Great Glen. Near showers, plumes of cloud near 300m, but mostly above 500m well inland.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Bursts of sunshine, mainly more eastern hills. Appalling visibility in snow, but at least briefly very good between showers.
How Cold? (at 900m)
-2C. Will feel as cold as minus 15C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
600m.
Planning Outlook
On Sunday, uncertainty in forecast detail remains within a complicated area of low pressure. Beyond, cold with higher terrain frequently or almost permanently frozen most or perhaps all next week. Wales, and perhaps N England, will see one or two incursions of much warmer air together with areas of persistent rain and snow. Some higher areas may have a considerable snow. Overall, low precipitation across Scotland, but marked exceptions: here too, where the frequently northerly wind rises over mountains (with the sea directly to the north), accumulations of snow may well be considerable.