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.)
Today'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+
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 1 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
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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+
Frequent or persistent rain
Steady rain fairly persistent, occasionally heavy, rather wet underfoot.
Chilly
Air temperature typically 1 to 5C on higher summits. Feeling distinctly chilly on tops when stationary or where exposed to wind. Take appropriate layers.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Thursday 18th September 2025
Last updated
Wed 17th Sep 25 at
4:30PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Strong upland wind or gales across the mountains. Frontal wave bringing persistent, heavy rain and extensive cloud from North Wales to the Southern Uplands. Highlands drier, especially east of A9, but showery near the west and north-west coast in the morning. Temperatures mild but with notable wind chill.
Headline for The Northwest Highlands
Upland gales, wet morning with extensive cloud
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly 50 to 60mph in the morning. Easing a little in the afternoon to around 40mph, perhaps 30mph on Skye. Very gusty.
Effect of the wind on you?
Difficult walking conditions will make progress challenging initially. Very powerful gusts may easily blow you over. Easing to arduous conditions later. Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Wet near the west coast, particularly morning
Showery near the coast, especially Skye and nearby mainland in the morning where it may be heavy for a time; showers may merge to feel like persistent rain for a time. Clearing in the afternoon, last on Skye around mid-afternoon. Much drier near Ben Wyvis.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive morning, some breaks later
Extensive cloud down to lower west-coastal slopes in the morning. As weather dries in the afternoon, cloud base lifting and becoming more patchy. May clear lower northern summits, but higher summits likely to remain shrouded.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
10% becoming 40%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Little or no sun in many places, but patchy sunshine if out of rain in the afternoon. Poor visibility near the west coast.
How Cold? (at 900m)
7C. Feeling around -5C in the wind.
Freezing Level
Well above the summits.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Friday 19th September 2025
Last updated
Wed 17th Sep 25 at
4:30PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Southwesterly 35 to 45mph, strongest over coastal mountains and toward the far north, may ease a little near Great Glen.
Effect of the wind on you?
Strenuous walking conditions with balance affected over exposed higher terrain. Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Rain for a time, then showers west
A front passing northeastward brings rain widely for a time in the morning. Then showers on and off through the day near the west coast, may fade slowly. Small amounts reaching Ben Wyvis.
Cloud on the hills?
Widespread, lowest west
Cloud shrouding most higher ground, especially near the coast. Base will be lower during rain. Highest cloud base will be near Ben Wyvis, some breaks to 900m, but summits are unlikely to clear.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
20%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of weak sunshine at times. Poor visibility in rain, some improvements, at times very good toward east.
How Cold? (at 900m)
6C. Feeling below -5C in the wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits.
Viewing Forecast For
The Northwest Highlands
Saturday 20th September 2025
Last updated
Wed 17th Sep 25 at
4:30PM
How windy? (On the Munros)
Forecast details uncertain. Northerly, picking up through the day to 30-45mph by evening, chance only 20-30mph.
Effect of the wind on you?
Arduous conditions developing into the afternoon, possibly difficult. Balance affected late in the day, especially on exposed ridges. Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Light showers, probably
Some uncertainty: Likely infrequent light showers, falling as snow flurries on high ground in the afternoon. Risk of more persistent, heavier rain remains.
Cloud on the hills?
Widespread on high ground
Widespread patchy cloud at various levels through the day. Should heavier rain arrive, these will merge, lower and become more extensive.
Chance of cloud free Munros?
60%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Little or no sunshine. Good visibility.
How Cold? (at 900m)
2C, dropping a little through the day. Highest summits likely to be below freezing in the afternoon. Feeling -10C in the wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits in the morning, dropping to 1100-1000m by the afternoon.
Planning Outlook
Weather remains mixed into and through the weekend, often with high winds, regions of persistent rain and extensive cloud. Temperatures falling through Saturday across the UK with the higher Scottish summits dropping below freezing and frosts in some glens. Looking increasingly likely that high pressure will take hold from the north on Sunday evening, bringing a period of more settled weather across the country for a couple of days at least, perhaps longer.