Southern Uplands
The Galloway hills eastward to the Lammermuir hills. The Cheviots (including higher hills within the adjacent Northumberland NP).
Thursday'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+
Heavy rain
Near-constant heavy rain, sometimes torrential over the mountains, very wet underfoot.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
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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Severe gale or storm, mobility very difficult
Severe conditions on the mountains, any movement very challenging, you may be blown over. 55-70mph+
Heavy rain
Near-constant heavy rain, sometimes torrential over the mountains, very wet underfoot.
Poor visibility
Murky conditions with areas of fog shrouding the hills, making navigation challenging. Map and compass essential.
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
Southern Uplands
Thursday 12th March 2026
Last updated
Wed 11th Mar 26 at
12:53PM
Summary for all mountain areas
Severe gale or storm force upland winds ahead of an active slowly southeastward moving front, which will bring widespread heavy rain and fog to almost all mountain areas. Across Scotland, behind the front, squally hail and snow showers.
Headline for Southern Uplands
Upland storm force wind; heavy rain, and fog.
How windy? (On the summits)
Southwesterly 60 to temporarily 80mph. Will ease to 45mph from west middle of day.
Effect of the wind on you?
Very difficult conditions. On higher areas, where exposed any mobility challenging particularly morning. Severe wind chill.
How Wet?
Persistent heavy rain
Rain more or less constant most or all day. Becoming very wet underfoot and burns in spate. Will ease from west only late in day.
Cloud on the hills?
Incessant fog; highest cloud base toward Lothians
Persistent fog, forming on lower slopes near Solway and typically 300 to 450m. Sometimes above 500m near the Lothians.
Chance of cloud free summits?
Less than 10%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Sunless: dull and misty.
How Cold? (at 750m)
4C, dropping abruptly to 0C afternoon. Will feel as cold as minus -14C directly in wind.
Freezing Level
Above the summits most or all morning. Then from west abruptly 700m.
Viewing Forecast For
Southern Uplands
Friday 13th March 2026
Last updated
Wed 11th Mar 26 at
12:53PM
How windy? (On the summits)
West to southwesterly 35 to 45mph, likely strongest in the morning, squally gusts around showers.
Effect of the wind on you?
Challenging walking conditions over exposed higher terrain, considerable buffeting and significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Hail and snow showers, chance thunder
Showers with hail most frequent Dumfries and Galloway, risk of the precipitation persistent for an hour or more; also snow falling toward lower elevations in morning, then mostly rain below 400m. Isolated lightning.
Cloud on the hills?
Covering higher fells most or perhaps all day
Patches of cloud sometimes to 600m in western areas, often lifting to 800m and sometimes clearing tops. Further east, only occasionally grazing tops around 700-800m.
Chance of cloud free summits?
50%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Bursts of sun west, or more frequent bright sun toward Borders. Visibility often very good, but intermittently very poor in showers.
How Cold? (at 750m)
0C or just below. Will feel as cold as minus 14C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
Near freezing from lower slopes up at first inland, becoming typically 600-700m by early afternoon.
Viewing Forecast For
Southern Uplands
Saturday 14th March 2026
Last updated
Wed 11th Mar 26 at
12:53PM
How windy? (On the summits)
Southwesterly, ranging from 30 to 40 or perhaps 45mph. (Most likely gradually strengthening through day.)
Effect of the wind on you?
Arduous walking where exposed across higher areas. Balance may be difficult.. Significant wind chill.
How Wet?
Hail and snow showers.
Risk showers: particularly Cheviot hills morning, when may merging one into another for an hour or two morning, but should ease. Expect hail and above 450m, snow. Chance widespread precipitation by dusk.
Cloud on the hills?
Extensive on higher tops
Varied cloud base: sometimes below 450m near precipitation but by midday most cloud above 700m.
Chance of cloud free summits?
60%
Sunshine and air clarity?
Glimpses of sun, although patchwork of sun toward the Lothians. Hazy, and very poor visibility in snow
How Cold? (at 750m)
0C. Will feel as cold as minus 12C directly in the wind.
Freezing Level
750m
Planning Outlook
Further bouts of upland gales over the next few days. Precipitation on most mountains almost daily, focussed on western mountains. Freeze thaw cycles will occur: on the Scottish Highlands, thaw periods fairly brief and snow accumulating on many slopes. Further south, lying snow more intermittent as periods of thaw will be lengthier. Temperature levels will rise from about next Tuesday.