Mountain weather
South Grampian and Southeast Highlands Mountain weather forecast table
Confidence
High confidence for Friday, moderate confidence for Saturday, but low confidence from Sunday onwards.
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.
Thunderstorms
Lightning is a significant mountain hazard which can result in serious injury or death. Mountain terrain often leaves one highly exposed to lightning strikes. Hail may give unpleasant conditions with torrential rain and localised flash flooding also possible, mainly in Summer months.
Mountain weather forecast
Mostly dry by day with sunny spells. Low cloud and showers arriving this evening.
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weather (at 800m) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chance of precipitation (at 800m) |
20% | 20% | 10% | 10% | 20% | 20% |
Wind direction and speed (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1100m |
E
38
|
E
32
|
NE
22
|
E
19
|
E
19
|
E
19
|
| 900m |
E
18
|
E
18
|
NE
18
|
E
17
|
E
12
|
E
12
|
| 600m |
E
6
|
E
9
|
E
12
|
E
12
|
E
8
|
E
6
|
| 300m |
SW
1
|
E
6
|
E
10
|
E
10
|
E
6
|
E
4
|
| Glen |
E
2
|
NE
9
|
E
12
|
E
10
|
E
8
|
NE
5
|
Wind gust (mph)
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1100m | 42 | 39 | 29 | 25 | 24 | 23 |
| 900m | 22 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 16 | 16 |
| 600m | 10 | 13 | 18 | 18 | 12 | 9 |
| 300m | 7 | 13 | 18 | 18 | 12 | 8 |
| Glen | 11 | 16 | 21 | 18 | 14 | 10 |
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1100m |
7°
|
7°
|
7°
|
8°
|
8°
|
8°
|
| 900m |
8°
|
8°
|
9°
|
9°
|
9°
|
8°
|
| 600m |
8°
|
10°
|
12°
|
12°
|
10°
|
8°
|
| 300m |
8°
|
13°
|
16°
|
14°
|
12°
|
9°
|
| Glen |
10°
|
14°
|
16°
|
14°
|
12°
|
9°
|
| Freezing Level |
2,100m
|
2,300m
|
2,400m
|
2,400m
|
2,500m
|
2,500m
|
Altitude above mean sea level
| 06:00 | 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00 | 18:00 | 21:00 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1100m |
1°
|
1°
|
3°
|
4°
|
4°
|
4°
|
| 900m |
4°
|
4°
|
6°
|
6°
|
7°
|
5°
|
| 600m |
6°
|
8°
|
10°
|
10°
|
8°
|
6°
|
| 300m |
8°
|
12°
|
14°
|
13°
|
11°
|
8°
|
| Glen |
10°
|
12°
|
14°
|
12°
|
10°
|
7°
|
Additional weather information
Met Office Aberdeen meteorologist's view
Summit winds around 5-10mph higher over the Cairngorm plateau than in the tables above. Prolonged sunshine may require suitable eyewear and skin protection.
Weather
A mostly dry day with a few heavy showers arriving this evening. Mainly clear through the day, with some patches of low cloud or fog at first on eastern-facing upslopes. This soon clearing to leave long bright or sunny spells. Perhaps a few showers around dawn around the Ochils. Low cloud arrives from the east into Fife this afternoon, becoming more widespread through the evening with outbreaks of light rain or drizzle.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
Generally above 80% the best chance in the north, but falling to 30% or less through the evening with the best chances in the west.
Low cloud and visibility
Generally clear with excellent visibilities, perhaps some patchy low cloud to around 300-400m before dawn, but this soon clearing. Extensive low cloud arrives later, with bases down to 200-300m and very poor visibilities in drizzle or hill fog.
Mountain weather information
Weather
Extensive low cloud with outbreaks of rain or drizzle at times. Potentially clearer spells developing through the evening.
Chance of cloud-free hill tops
Less than 20%, the best chance in the south in the evening.
Maximum wind speed expected
Light east or south-easterly winds, gusts 15-20mph on the highest summits.
Temperature
- At 800m Plus 5 rising to plus 10 Celsius.
- Glen Plus 8 rising to plus 13 Celsius.
- Freezing level Above summits.
Low cloud and visibility
Widespread, extensive cloud down to 200-300m with poor visibility in hill fog or outbreaks of rain or drizzle.
Mountain weather information
Sun 5 May
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Sunny spells or showers, perhaps longer spells of rain at times. Occasional low cloud and hill fog. Freezing levels above summits. Light winds.
Mon 6 May
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Sunny spells or showers, perhaps longer spells of rain at times. Occasional low cloud and hill fog. Freezing levels above summits. Light winds.
Tue 7 May
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Sunny spells or showers. Occasional low cloud and hill fog. Freezing levels above summits. Light 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
Including South and East Cairngorms National Park, Aberdeenshire and Angus Hills, Ben Vrackie, Ben Lawers, Loch Tay and Ochils
For snow and avalanche hazard forecasts please visit Scottish Avalanche Information Service