Mountain weather
North Grampian Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
Low for Thursday, otherwise high.
Mountain weather hazards
Hazards apply at or above 300m, reflecting the more severe conditions which can occur at altitude.
Strong Sunlight
Harmful UV levels from sunlight increase with altitude giving a greater risk of sunburn and eye damage, even on some overcast days. On breezy days, the cooling effect of wind on exposed skin may disguise any feeling of sunburn until it is too late. If there is snow cover, glare increases the effect of UV rays especially on the eyes. It is advisable to wear sun block, protective clothing such as a long-sleeved top and hat and have good quality eye protection.
Storm Force Winds
Storm force winds (gusts over 70mph) make walking very strenuous with any mobility virtually impossible over exposed ground. Where these conditions occur there is a high risk of being blown over and even standing may be impossible at times with a risk of being blown off one’s feet. Basic tasks such as using a map, eating, putting on extra clothing or communication become extremely difficult away from any shelter.
Gales
Gale force winds (gusts over 50mph) make walking difficult and strenuous with a potential to be blown over by gusts. There is often a marked increase in winds through cols or on exposed ridges and summits. Distances can take longer to cover and compass bearings become harder to follow accurately.
Severe Chill Effect
Wind significantly lowers the ‘feels-like’ temperature relative to the actual temperature, with even moderate winds significantly adding to the chilling effect. Strong winds can result in a severe and debilitating wind chill many degrees below the actual temperature. This effect will be enhanced in rain or wet snow. Without protection, prolonged exposure could result in frost nip or frostbite on exposed parts of the body and/or hypothermia.
Mountain weather forecast
Dry with sunny spells. Becoming cloudier in the evening with strengthening winds.
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
00% | 00% | 00% | 00% | <05% | 20% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300m |
W
18
|
SW
12
|
S
18
|
S
23
|
S
30
|
S
40
|
| 900m |
SW
19
|
SW
12
|
SW
17
|
SW
21
|
S
30
|
S
41
|
| 600m |
SW
12
|
SW
9
|
SW
13
|
SW
16
|
SW
21
|
S
26
|
| 300m |
S
4
|
SW
7
|
SW
9
|
SW
12
|
SW
13
|
S
15
|
| Glen |
SW
3
|
SW
5
|
SW
6
|
SW
6
|
S
6
|
S
6
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300m | 25 | 16 | 24 | 32 | 41 | 53 |
| 900m | 23 | 16 | 23 | 29 | 39 | 51 |
| 600m | 17 | 13 | 19 | 23 | 30 | 37 |
| 300m | 12 | 13 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 32 |
| Glen | 13 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 21 | 26 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300m |
3°
|
6°
|
7°
|
8°
|
7°
|
5°
|
| 900m |
6°
|
8°
|
10°
|
11°
|
10°
|
9°
|
| 600m |
8°
|
11°
|
13°
|
14°
|
13°
|
11°
|
| 300m |
9°
|
13°
|
17°
|
18°
|
16°
|
14°
|
| Glen |
9°
|
14°
|
18°
|
19°
|
17°
|
14°
|
| Freezing Level |
1,700m
|
1,800m
|
1,900m
|
2,300m
|
2,700m
|
2,800m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300m |
-2°
|
2°
|
3°
|
4°
|
1°
|
-2°
|
| 900m |
2°
|
5°
|
7°
|
8°
|
6°
|
4°
|
| 600m |
5°
|
9°
|
11°
|
11°
|
9°
|
7°
|
| 300m |
8°
|
12°
|
15°
|
15°
|
13°
|
11°
|
| Glen |
8°
|
13°
|
16°
|
16°
|
15°
|
12°
|
Additional weather information
Met Office Aberdeen meteorologist's view
Strengthening winds with gusts of 40-50mph or more on the highest summits will give difficult walking conditions with a risk of being blown off balance. Navigation could be challenging with energy output significantly increased when walking into the wind.
Weather
Dry with sunny spells for much of the day. Clouding over through the afternoon into the evening with the chance of the odd spot of rain and strengthening south to southwest winds, with gales on the highest summits in the evening.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
80% or more falling to 40% in the evening.
Low cloud and visibility
Some patches of cloud around summit height at first, but mainly cloud free summits and excellent visibilities. Cloud building through the afternoon, but staying above summit level. Cloud down to around 700-900m pushing in through the evening.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Windy with cloud and rain, heavy at times, throughout the day, becoming dry from the west during the late afternoon with some late sunshine.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
40%, the best chances west of the A9; rising to 80% in the evening.
Maximum wind speed expected
Southwest 35mph gusting 45mph, but gusts in excess of 55mph possible in the morning over the highest summits.
Temperature
- At 800m Plus 7 to plus 11 Celsius.
- Glen Plus 11 to plus 13 Celsius.
- Freezing level Above summits.
Low cloud and visibility
Fairly widespread cloud, down to 600-800m in places and poor visibilities in rain. Improving conditions in the evening.
Mountain weather information
Fri 16 Aug
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Sunny spells and scattered showers, particularly in the evening. Strong southwest wind, chance of gales.
Sat 17 Aug
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Mainly dry with sunny spells and some showers, mainly in the west. Strong west to southwest winds.
Sun 18 Aug
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Mainly dry with sunny spells and a few showers, mainly in the west. Fresh to strong west to southwest winds.
Updated at:
Summit specific forecast
Mountain summit forecast map
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Key
Mountain summits
Other points of interest
Cluster of multiple stations
Includes the northern and western Cairngorms National Park, Monadhliath, Ben Alder, Creag Meagaidh, Loch Ericht and Loch Rannoch.
For snow and avalanche hazard forecasts please visit Scottish Avalanche Information Service