Meall nan Ceapraichean Summit Weather Forecast

Tuesday 10 November 2026Confidence: Medium

Overall hill weather75Good

Summit wind · 08:00-17:005-20 mph northwesterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0015-25 mph Feels like-6 to -2°C PrecipitationUp to around 2 mm Cloud-free summit estimate35% Cloud base through day500-1,400 m Freezing level1,000-1,300 m DaylightSunrise 07:52 · Sunset 16:13 · 8.3 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A good day on Meall nan Ceapraichean, though expect sleet or snow on the tops and cloud coming down onto the tops.

Snow and navigation

Sleet or snow is possible on the tops in the afternoon, with small temperature changes affecting the mix. The air freezing level is roughly 1100 to 1200 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain.

Wind

On the summit expect light winds of up to 15 mph, mainly north-westerly, with gusts of 15–25 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside the wind will be light, under 10 mph.

Cloud and visibility

The tops start clear, but the cloud comes down onto them mid-morning. The cloud base could be as low as 500–800 m in the early afternoon. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass.

Rain and ground

Sleet arrives mid-afternoon. Expect up to 2 mm in total, measured as melted water, so any snow would lie deeper.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around -2 to 2°C, feeling like -6 to -2°C in the wind. The freezing level is close to summit height. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.

Daylight

A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:15pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

Cloud height is hard to pin down, so the summit could be in or out of cloud at short notice. Things could still change through the day, so keep an eye on the sky.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 2.9 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.

Early: Less than 1 hour
Midday: 2 h
Later: 0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Excellent Summit winds around 5-15 mph. Gusts around 10-20 mph are possible on exposed ground. Summit cloud becomes more persistent later.

89

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Mixed Summit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.

61

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air: a frost, down to -2°C. 56Mixed · 600 m View detailsHide details

Night beginning Tuesday 10 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

A mixed night to camp, mainly because of damp air. Gusts reach about 25 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the northwest. Dry to pitch, then a little rain overnight, easing by morning, though the tent may still be wet. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-900 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A frost up around 900 m, down to about -2°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.3 mm Open ground · 600 m12 mph · gusts 23 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about -2°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m59 · mixed

Wind / gust: 10 mph / 19 mph
Typical / low: 1.4°C / 0.7°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: High

600 m56 · mixed

Wind / gust: 12 mph / 23 mph
Typical / low: 0.8°C / 0.2°C · much of the night
In cloud: 33% of modelled night
Condensation: High

900 m39 · poor

Wind / gust: 14 mph / 27 mph
Typical / low: -1.2°C / -1.7°C · much of the night
In cloud: 47% of modelled night
Condensation: High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about -2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

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Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: wet, slippery rock. Poor0 View detailsHide details

Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly psammite, a hard, sandy rock that has been squeezed and heated. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is generally solid and blocky. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust15-25 mphRain0.5 mm

Main factorswet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloudSub-zero temperatures and moisture may leave icy patches on exposed rock

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Psammite Glascarnoch Psammite Formation

Origin: Metamorphic
Broad rock-response group: Psammite, pelite or semipelite
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Psammite, pelite or semipelite in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Psammite is a hard, sandy rock that has been squeezed and heated. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is generally solid and blocky. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Beinn Dearg (Ullapool), Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean and Eididh nan Clach Geala

psammite, pelite or semipelite

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaSome forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-10. All times are UK local time.

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely; any glow may be faint or camera-only

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely here. Any glow may be faint or camera-only. Activity peaks around Kp 3.0 (on a 0 to 9 scale).

Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.

Stargazing

Mixed sky conditions during the best available spell: 11 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT.

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Moon-free dark sky: 10 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 11 Nov, 05:40 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night

Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time	Viewing conditions
10 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
10 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
10 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
10 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time. Forecast models disagree.
10 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
10 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 11 Nov, 00:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
11 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time. Forecast models disagree.
11 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT	Mixed sky conditions Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time. Forecast models disagree.
11 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT	Mixed sky conditions Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time. Forecast models disagree.
11 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT	Mixed sky conditions Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time. Forecast models disagree.
11 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
11 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:40 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Near-new moon, about 3% illuminated.

Full darkness: 10 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 11 Nov, 05:40 GMT.

Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.

Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.

Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.

Darkness of the surroundings

Estimated darkness rank 201 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.

2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.

VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.

Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about Meall nan Ceapraichean on Tuesday 10 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Wednesday 11 November 2026Confidence: Medium

Overall hill weather46Poor

Summit wind · 08:00-17:0015-30 mph northwesterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0030-40 mph Feels like-10 to -6°C PrecipitationUp to around 2 mm Cloud-free summit estimate65% Cloud base through day600-1,700 m Freezing level600-900 m DaylightSunrise 07:55 · Sunset 16:11 · 8.3 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A poor day on the tops of Meall nan Ceapraichean, with snow on the tops.

Snow and navigation

Snow is forecast on the tops in the afternoon. The air freezing level is roughly 800 to 900 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain. There is a risk of blizzard conditions in the afternoon, when snow and strong winds coincide. Paths and footprints can quickly disappear beneath falling and blowing snow. Snow may collect in deeper drifts in hollows, behind boulders and on slopes sheltered from the wind. Exposed ground may be scoured while nearby drifts deepen. Wind-loaded slopes can also be avalanche terrain. Check the local avalanche forecast where one is available; this is not an assessment of slope stability.

Wind

On the summit expect a north-westerly wind of 15–30 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 30–40 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop. It gets windier still after dark, with summit gusts of 30–40 mph, so bear that in mind if you will be out late.

Cloud and visibility

The tops start clear, but the cloud comes down onto them around midday. The cloud base could be as low as 400–700 m mid-afternoon. The air should be clear, so expect far-reaching views whenever the tops come out of the cloud. Where snow covers the ground, the sky and hillside can merge into a featureless white view, making it difficult to judge slope or direction. Do not rely on following a visible path. Avoid exposed routes if you cannot navigate safely in these conditions, and turn back before visibility deteriorates.

Rain and ground

A band of snow moves in during the early afternoon. Expect up to 2 mm in total, measured as melted water, so any snow would lie deeper. The timing could shift by a few hours.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around -4 to 0°C, feeling like -10 to -6°C in the wind. The freezing level is around 700–1000 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.

Daylight

A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:10pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

Some of the detail could still change, so have a last look at the forecast in the morning before you set off.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 3 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early: 1 h
Midday: 1 h
Later: 0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Good Summit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 20-30 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is possible during the main walking period, but its timing may shift by several hours.

76

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Poor Summit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the main walking period, but its timing may shift by several hours.

16

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch above about 600 m (gusts of about 50 mph and a frost, down to -4°C). Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground. 19Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details

Night beginning Wednesday 11 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

Too windy for an exposed pitch above about 600 m. Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 50 mph around 900 m and nearer 35 mph around 300 m, enough to damage a tent on open ground. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. Expect some light rain, with rain while you pitch and still falling when you pack up. A frost at every height we checked (300-900 m), down to about -4°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -4°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain2.6 mm Open ground · 600 m26 mph · gusts 41 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about -4°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m39 · poor

Wind / gust: 22 mph / 34 mph
Typical / low: -0.6°C / -1.4°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: Moderate

600 m19 · very poor

Wind / gust: 26 mph / 41 mph
Typical / low: -1.3°C / -2.0°C · much of the night
In cloud: 7% of modelled night
Condensation: Moderate

900 m9 · very poor

Wind / gust: 32 mph / 48 mph
Typical / low: -3.4°C / -4.2°C · much of the night
In cloud: 13% of modelled night
Condensation: Moderate

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about -4°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: wet, slippery rock. Poor0 View detailsHide details

Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. Gusts of 30–40 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly psammite, a hard, sandy rock that has been squeezed and heated. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is generally solid and blocky. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust30-40 mphRain2.4 mm

Main factorsgusts of 30–40 mphwet rock likelySnow is likely to be lying on high ground, with further snowfall possible during the day

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Psammite Glascarnoch Psammite Formation

Origin: Metamorphic
Broad rock-response group: Psammite, pelite or semipelite
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Psammite, pelite or semipelite in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Psammite is a hard, sandy rock that has been squeezed and heated. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is generally solid and blocky. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Beinn Dearg (Ullapool), Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean and Eididh nan Clach Geala

psammite, pelite or semipelite

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaSome forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-11. All times are UK local time.

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely; any glow may be faint or camera-only

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely here. Any glow may be faint or camera-only. Activity peaks around Kp 3.0 (on a 0 to 9 scale).

Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 12 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT.

Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.

Moon-free dark sky: 11 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 12 Nov, 05:40 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night

Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time	Viewing conditions
11 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 19:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
11 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Forecasts disagree about rain or haze, so it could be murkier than this looks. Forecast models disagree.
11 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
11 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
11 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
11 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 12 Nov, 00:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
12 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time. Forecast models disagree.
12 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
12 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
12 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
12 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
12 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:40 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Crescent moon, about 7% illuminated.

Full darkness: 11 Nov, 18:30 GMT to 12 Nov, 05:40 GMT.

Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.

Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.

Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.

Darkness of the surroundings

Estimated darkness rank 201 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.

2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.

VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.

Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about Meall nan Ceapraichean on Wednesday 11 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Thursday 12 November 2026Confidence: Low

Overall hill weather20Poor

Summit wind · 08:00-17:0025-40 mph northwesterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0040-50 mph Feels like-14 to -10°C PrecipitationAround 2-5 mm Cloud-free summit estimate85% Freezing level500-800 m DaylightSunrise 07:57 · Sunset 16:09 · 8.2 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A poor day on the tops of Meall nan Ceapraichean, with snow on the tops and strong, gusty winds.

Snow and navigation

Snow is forecast on the tops during the morning and afternoon. The air freezing level is roughly 600 to 800 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain. There is a risk of blizzard conditions in the morning, when snow and strong winds coincide. Paths and footprints can quickly disappear beneath falling and blowing snow. Snow may collect in deeper drifts in hollows, behind boulders and on slopes sheltered from the wind. Exposed ground may be scoured while nearby drifts deepen. Wind-loaded slopes can also be avalanche terrain. Check the local avalanche forecast where one is available; this is not an assessment of slope stability.

Wind

On the summit expect a north-westerly wind of 25–40 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 40–50 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to knock you off balance, so take care near edges and on narrow ridges.

Cloud and visibility

The tops are likely to stay mostly clear of cloud, though brief patches cannot be ruled out. Where snow covers the ground, the sky and hillside can merge into a featureless white view, making it difficult to judge slope or direction. Do not rely on following a visible path. Avoid exposed routes if you cannot navigate safely in these conditions, and turn back before visibility deteriorates.

Rain and ground

Snow for much of the day. Expect 2–5 mm in total, measured as melted water, so any snow would lie deeper. Some forecast models keep it drier in the morning.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around -4 to 0°C, feeling like -14 to -10°C in the wind. The freezing level is around 600–900 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops. Hat, gloves and a warm insulated layer are essential, with extra warmth for stops. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.

Daylight

A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:10pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

The forecast models disagree on how strong the wind will be, so it could be noticeably stronger than this. It's still two days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 7.9 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early: 1.9 h
Midday: 4 h
Later: 0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Poor Summit winds around 30-40 mph. Gusts around 40-50 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can knock you off balance, so take care near edges and on narrow ridges. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the morning, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.

17

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Poor Summit winds around 25-35 mph. Gusts around 40-50 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can knock you off balance, so take care near edges and on narrow ridges. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.

22

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m (gusts of about 45 mph and a frost, down to -2°C). Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. 39Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details

Night beginning Thursday 12 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

Too windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m. Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. Gusts reach about 45 mph around 900 m and nearer 30 mph around 300 m, which makes for a noisy, testing night even in a good tent. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. Expect a little rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. A frost above about 600 m, down to about -2°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -4°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.9 mm Open ground · 600 m24 mph · gusts 37 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about -4°C or lower

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m58 · mixed

Wind / gust: 20 mph / 30 mph
Typical / low: 0.3°C / 0.1°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: Low

600 m39 · poor

Wind / gust: 24 mph / 37 mph
Typical / low: -0.2°C / -0.3°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: Low

900 m19 · very poor

Wind / gust: 28 mph / 43 mph
Typical / low: -2.3°C / -2.5°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: Moderate

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about -4°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: wet, slippery rock. Poor0 View detailsHide details

Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. Gusts of 40–50 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly psammite, a hard, sandy rock that has been squeezed and heated. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is generally solid and blocky. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust40-50 mphRain2.5 mm

Main factorsgusts of 40–50 mphwet rock likelySnow is likely to be lying on high ground, with further snowfall possible during the day

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Psammite Glascarnoch Psammite Formation

Origin: Metamorphic
Broad rock-response group: Psammite, pelite or semipelite
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Psammite, pelite or semipelite in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Psammite is a hard, sandy rock that has been squeezed and heated. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is generally solid and blocky. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Beinn Dearg (Ullapool), Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean and Eididh nan Clach Geala

psammite, pelite or semipelite

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-12. All times are UK local time.

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely; any glow may be faint or camera-only

Too quiet for a likely sighting from here. Activity peaks around Kp 2.0 (on a 0 to 9 scale). It would take about Kp 3.3 for a camera to pick up a glow low in the north, though that is not a hard line.

Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 12 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.

Moon-free dark sky: 12 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 13 Nov, 05:40 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night

Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time	Viewing conditions
12 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMT	Mixed sky conditions Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time. Forecast models disagree.
12 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
12 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
12 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
12 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
12 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 13 Nov, 00:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
13 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
13 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
13 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
13 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
13 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
13 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:40 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Crescent moon, about 13% illuminated.

Full darkness: 12 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 13 Nov, 05:40 GMT.

Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.

Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.

Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.

Darkness of the surroundings

Estimated darkness rank 201 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.

2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.

VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.

Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about Meall nan Ceapraichean on Thursday 12 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Friday 13 November 2026Confidence: Medium

Overall hill weather14Poor

Summit wind · 08:00-17:0020-35 mph westerly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0040-50 mph Feels like-12 to -8°C PrecipitationAround 2-5 mm Cloud-free summit estimate20% Cloud base through day600-1,200 m Freezing level500-800 m DaylightSunrise 07:59 · Sunset 16:07 · 8.1 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A poor day on the tops of Meall nan Ceapraichean, with snow on the tops and the summit in cloud for most of the day.

Snow and navigation

Snow is forecast on the tops during the morning and afternoon. The air freezing level is roughly 500 to 1000 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain. Blowing snow may quickly cover paths and footprints and make navigation difficult. Snow may collect in deeper drifts in hollows, behind boulders and on slopes sheltered from the wind. Exposed ground may be scoured while nearby drifts deepen. Wind-loaded slopes can also be avalanche terrain. Check the local avalanche forecast where one is available; this is not an assessment of slope stability.

Wind

On the summit expect a westerly wind of 20–35 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 40–50 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 10–20 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. If the windier forecast models are right, summit gusts could reach 50–60 mph. It gets windier still after dark, with summit gusts of 45–55 mph, so bear that in mind if you will be out late.

Cloud and visibility

Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 600–900 m in the early afternoon. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass.

Rain and ground

A band of snow moves in around midday. Expect 2–5 mm in total, measured as melted water, so any snow would lie deeper. Some forecast models keep it drier in the afternoon.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around -4 to 0°C, feeling like -12 to -8°C in the wind. The freezing level is around 500–800 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops. Hat, gloves and a warm insulated layer are essential, with extra warmth for stops. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.

Daylight

A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:05pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

There is some disagreement between forecast models on wind strength. It's still three days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 1.9 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.

Early: 0 h
Midday: 1.9 h
Later: 0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Poor Summit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges.

28

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Poor Summit winds around 25-35 mph. Gusts around 40-50 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.

1

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch above about 600 m (gusts of about 50 mph and about 4 mm of rain). Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground. 19Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details

Night beginning Friday 13 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

Too windy for an exposed pitch above about 600 m. Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 50 mph around 900 m and nearer 35 mph around 300 m, enough to damage a tent on open ground. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. Expect about 4 mm of rain, with rain while you pitch and still falling when you pack up. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. A cold night, down to about 0°C around 900 m. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about 0°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain3.9 mm Open ground · 600 m31 mph · gusts 43 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 0°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waxing crescent moon

Illuminated disc: 20%
Moonrise: Outside this window
Moonset: 18:04 GMT

Cloud at the reference camping height may hide the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 13 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 14 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m39 · poor

Wind / gust: 26 mph / 36 mph
Typical / low: 3.4°C / 2.8°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: High

600 m19 · very poor

Wind / gust: 31 mph / 43 mph
Typical / low: 3.0°C / 2.4°C · much of the night
In cloud: 27% of modelled night
Condensation: High

900 m9 · very poor

Wind / gust: 37 mph / 50 mph
Typical / low: 1.0°C / 0.4°C · much of the night
In cloud: 100% of modelled night
Condensation: High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 0°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: wet, slippery rock. Poor0 View detailsHide details

Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. Gusts of 40–50 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly psammite, a hard, sandy rock that has been squeezed and heated. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is generally solid and blocky. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust40-50 mphRain2.6 mm

Main factorsgusts of 40–50 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Psammite Glascarnoch Psammite Formation

Origin: Metamorphic
Broad rock-response group: Psammite, pelite or semipelite
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Psammite, pelite or semipelite in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Psammite is a hard, sandy rock that has been squeezed and heated. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is generally solid and blocky. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Beinn Dearg (Ullapool), Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean and Eididh nan Clach Geala

psammite, pelite or semipelite

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-13. All times are UK local time.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 14 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT.

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.

Moon-free dark sky: 13 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 14 Nov, 05:45 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night

Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time	Viewing conditions
13 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
13 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
13 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
13 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
13 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
13 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 14 Nov, 00:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
14 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
14 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
14 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:45 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Crescent moon, about 20% illuminated.

Moonset around 13 Nov, 17:55 GMT.

Full darkness: 13 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 14 Nov, 05:45 GMT.

Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.

Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.

Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.

Darkness of the surroundings

Estimated darkness rank 201 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.

2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.

VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.

Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about Meall nan Ceapraichean on Friday 13 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Saturday 14 November 2026Confidence: Low

Overall hill weather-1Severe hill conditions

Summit wind · 08:00-17:0030-45 mph southwesterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0050-60 mph Feels like-10 to -6°C PrecipitationAround 2-5 mm Cloud-free summit estimate20% Cloud base through day600-900 m Freezing level1,000-1,300 m DaylightSunrise 08:01 · Sunset 16:05 · 8.1 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A wild day on the tops of Meall nan Ceapraichean, with sleet or snow on the tops and very strong, gusty winds. Not a day for the summit.

Snow and navigation

Sleet or snow is possible on the tops in the morning, with small temperature changes affecting the mix. The air freezing level is roughly 1100 to 1200 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain.

Wind

On the summit expect a south-westerly wind of 30–45 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 50–60 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 10–20 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges.

Cloud and visibility

Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 600–900 m mid-morning. A few forecast models bring it lower still, to around 400–700 m. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass.

Rain and ground

Sleet for much of the day. Expect 2–5 mm in total, measured as melted water, so any snow would lie deeper. Some forecast models keep it drier in the afternoon.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around -2 to 2°C, feeling like -10 to -6°C in the wind. The freezing level is close to summit height. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.

Daylight

A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:05pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

The forecast models disagree on how strong the wind will be, so it could be noticeably stronger than this. It's still four days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.

Below zero means severe hill conditions. More negative scores indicate more severe forecast weather. Read the hazard details before making plans. Below zero means severe hill conditions. More negative scores indicate more severe forecast weather. Read the hazard details before making plans.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates Less than 1 hour of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Cloud may obscure this summit even while the surrounding model grid indicates sunshine. The low cloud-free summit estimate is a reason to be cautious about expecting views.

Early: 0 h
Midday: Less than 1 hour
Later: 0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Severe hill conditions Summit winds around 30-40 mph. Gusts around 45-55 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can knock you off balance, so take care near edges and on narrow ridges. Rain is forecast during this period.

-2

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Poor Summit winds around 35-45 mph. Gusts around 50-60 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period. Some forecast models bring rain during the afternoon, while others keep it mostly dry.

0

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaNot a night to camp on the open hill: gusts of about 60 mph and around 12 mm of rain. 9Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details

Night beginning Saturday 14 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

Not a night to camp on the open hill. Gusts reach about 60 mph around 900 m and nearer 45 mph around 300 m, strong enough to flatten or tear a tent. Don't count on finding shelter once you're up there. Choose another night or a low, sheltered spot. Expect a wet night, around 12 mm of rain, with rain while you pitch and still falling when you pack up. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. A cold night, down to about 2°C around 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain12.2 mm Open ground · 600 m35 mph · gusts 51 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about 2°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waxing crescent moon

Illuminated disc: 27%
Moonrise: Outside this window
Moonset: 19:23 GMT

Cloud at the reference camping height may hide the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 14 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 15 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m19 · very poor

Wind / gust: 29 mph / 43 mph
Typical / low: 6.6°C / 4.9°C · a brief spell
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: High

600 m9 · very poor

Wind / gust: 35 mph / 51 mph
Typical / low: 5.3°C / 4.1°C · several hours
In cloud: 27% of modelled night
Condensation: High

900 m0 · very poor

Wind / gust: 41 mph / 60 mph
Typical / low: 3.4°C / 2.2°C · much of the night
In cloud: 67% of modelled night
Condensation: High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: wet, slippery rock. Poor0 View detailsHide details

Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Snow is likely on the rock and ledges, so it becomes a winter route. Gusts of 50–60 mph are strong enough to make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly psammite, a hard, sandy rock that has been squeezed and heated. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is generally solid and blocky. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust50-60 mphRain4.2 mm

Main factorsgusts of 50–60 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Psammite Glascarnoch Psammite Formation

Origin: Metamorphic
Broad rock-response group: Psammite, pelite or semipelite
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Psammite, pelite or semipelite in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Psammite is a hard, sandy rock that has been squeezed and heated. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is generally solid and blocky. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Beinn Dearg (Ullapool), Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean and Eididh nan Clach Geala

psammite, pelite or semipelite

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-14. All times are UK local time.

Aurora outlook

Nothing notable expected.

A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 14 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT.

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Moon-free dark sky: 14 Nov, 19:15 GMT to 15 Nov, 05:45 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night

Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time	Viewing conditions
14 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 19:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
14 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 15 Nov, 00:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:45 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Crescent moon, about 28% illuminated.

Moonset around 14 Nov, 19:15 GMT.

Full darkness: 14 Nov, 18:25 GMT to 15 Nov, 05:45 GMT.

Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.

Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.

Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.

Darkness of the surroundings

Estimated darkness rank 201 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.

2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.

VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.

Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about Meall nan Ceapraichean on Saturday 14 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Sunday 15 November 2026Confidence: Unavailable

Overall hill weather22Poor

Summit wind · 08:00-17:0025-35 mph southwesterly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0040-50 mph Feels like-8 to -4°C PrecipitationUp to around 2 mm Cloud-free summit estimate25% Cloud base through day700-1,000 m Freezing levelAbove summit DaylightSunrise 08:04 · Sunset 16:03 · 8.0 hours daylight

The day on the hill

A poor day on the tops of Meall nan Ceapraichean, with a blustery wind and cloud coming and going on the summit.

Wind

On the summit expect a south-westerly wind of 25–35 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 40–50 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. If the windier forecast models are right, summit gusts could reach 80–90 mph.

Cloud and visibility

Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 700–1000 m early in the morning. A few forecast models bring it lower still, to around 300–600 m. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass.

Rain and ground

Drizzle for much of the day. Some forecast models keep it drier later on.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around 0 to 4°C, feeling like -8 to -4°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.

Daylight

A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4:05pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

It's still five days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 0 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early: 0 h
Midday: 0 h
Later: 0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Poor Summit winds around 25-35 mph. Gusts around 40-50 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period.

18

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Poor Summit winds around 25-35 mph. Gusts around 35-45 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period.

26

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m (gusts of about 40 mph and about 6 mm of rain). Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground. 33Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details

Night beginning Sunday 15 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

Too windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m. Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 40 mph around 900 m and nearer 30 mph around 300 m, which makes for a noisy, testing night even in a good tent. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. The wind swings from southwesterly to northwesterly overnight, so a pitch sheltered at dusk may not be by morning. Expect about 6 mm of rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. At every height we checked (300-900 m) you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. A frost at every height we checked (300-900 m), down to about -4°C. A warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag rated to about -4°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain5.9 mm Open ground · 600 m19 mph · gusts 36 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about -4°C or lower

Moon overnight

Waxing crescent moon

Illuminated disc: 36%
Moonrise: Outside this window
Moonset: 20:47 GMT

Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 15 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 16 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m39 · poor

Wind / gust: 16 mph / 30 mph
Typical / low: 5.5°C / -0.4°C · several hours
In cloud: 27% of modelled night
Condensation: High

600 m33 · poor

Wind / gust: 19 mph / 36 mph
Typical / low: 3.8°C / -0.5°C · much of the night
In cloud: 40% of modelled night
Condensation: High

900 m19 · very poor

Wind / gust: 22 mph / 42 mph
Typical / low: 1.8°C / -3.7°C · much of the night
In cloud: 60% of modelled night
Condensation: High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a warm 3-season or 3–4 season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about -4°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

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Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 40–50 mph. Poor0 View detailsHide details

Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Gusts of 40–50 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly psammite, a hard, sandy rock that has been squeezed and heated. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is generally solid and blocky. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust40-50 mphRain3.2 mm

Main factorsgusts of 40–50 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Psammite Glascarnoch Psammite Formation

Origin: Metamorphic
Broad rock-response group: Psammite, pelite or semipelite
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Psammite, pelite or semipelite in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Psammite is a hard, sandy rock that has been squeezed and heated. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is generally solid and blocky. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Beinn Dearg (Ullapool), Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean and Eididh nan Clach Geala

psammite, pelite or semipelite

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaSome breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Rain at times. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-15. All times are UK local time.

Aurora outlook

Nothing notable expected.

A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.

Stargazing

Mixed sky conditions during the best available spell: 16 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:50 GMT.

Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Rain at times.

Moon-free dark sky: 15 Nov, 20:45 GMT to 16 Nov, 05:50 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night

Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time	Viewing conditions
15 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 19:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
15 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 16 Nov, 00:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
16 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Rain at times. Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:50 GMT	Mixed sky conditions Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Rain at times. Limited model coverage.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Crescent moon, about 36% illuminated.

Moonset around 15 Nov, 20:45 GMT.

Full darkness: 15 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 16 Nov, 05:50 GMT.

Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.

Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.

Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.

Darkness of the surroundings

Estimated darkness rank 201 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.

2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.

VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.

Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about Meall nan Ceapraichean on Sunday 15 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

Open the questions to take part.

About the research and your privacy · Already been out? Share that experience instead

Monday 16 November 2026Confidence: Unavailable

Overall hill weather62Mixed

Summit wind · 08:00-17:0015-30 mph westerly Summit gusts · 08:00-17:0030-40 mph Feels like-14 to -10°C PrecipitationUp to around 2 mm Cloud-free summit estimate60% Freezing level300-600 m DaylightSunrise 08:06 · Sunset 16:01 · 7.9 hours daylight

The day on the hill

Breezy on the tops on Meall nan Ceapraichean, with snow on the tops and a bitter wind chill. Cloud could cover the tops and limit the views.

Snow and navigation

Snow is forecast on the tops in the afternoon. The air freezing level is roughly 400 to 600 m above sea level. Snow can fall below this, but its lower limit is uncertain. Blowing snow may quickly cover paths and footprints and make navigation difficult. Snow may collect in deeper drifts in hollows, behind boulders and on slopes sheltered from the wind. Exposed ground may be scoured while nearby drifts deepen. Wind-loaded slopes can also be avalanche terrain. Check the local avalanche forecast where one is available; this is not an assessment of slope stability.

Wind

On the summit expect a westerly wind of 15–30 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 30–40 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop.

Cloud and visibility

Clear spells are possible, but cloud could cover the tops for part of the day. Forecast models differ on how much summit cloud develops. A few forecast models bring the cloud base down to around 600–900 m at times. Patchy mist is possible in sheltered valleys early on.

Rain and ground

A band of snow moves in around midday. Expect up to 2 mm in total, measured as melted water, so any snow would lie deeper. It will be wet underfoot after recent rain.

Warmth and kit

On the tops it will be around -6 to -2°C, feeling like -14 to -10°C in the wind. The freezing level is around 500–800 m, so it will be below freezing on the tops. Hat, gloves and a warm insulated layer are essential, with extra warmth for stops. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.

Daylight

A short day, with only about 8 hours of daylight. Sunset is around 4pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.

Forecast confidence

It's still six days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.

Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine

The surrounding model grid indicates 6.4 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.

Early: 1 h
Midday: 4 h
Later: 0 h

Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.

Morning · 08:00–12:00 Good Summit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground.

78

Afternoon · 12:00–17:00 Poor Summit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.

45

Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.

Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch above about 600 m (gusts of about 45 mph and a frost, down to -5°C). Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground. 19Poor · 600 m View detailsHide details

Night beginning Monday 16 November 2026

Full overnight outlook

Too windy for an exposed pitch above about 600 m. Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 45 mph around 900 m and nearer 35 mph around 300 m, enough to damage a tent on open ground. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. The wind swings from westerly to easterly overnight, so a pitch sheltered at dusk may not be by morning. Dry to pitch, then a little rain by morning, so you'll likely pack up in the wet. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-900 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. A frost at every height we checked (300-900 m), down to about -5°C. A 4-season bag rated to about -6°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.

Overnight rain0.8 mm Open ground · 600 m14 mph · gusts 40 mph Morning pack-upDampness possible Sleeping-bag warmthISO comfort rating about -6°C or lower

Moon overnight

First-quarter moon

Illuminated disc: 46%
Moonrise: Outside this window
Moonset: 22:10 GMT

Views of the Moon may come and go through cloud breaks. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.

Overnight window: 16 Nov, 17:00 GMT to 17 Nov, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.

Elevation reference (open ground)

300 m39 · poor

Wind / gust: 12 mph / 33 mph
Typical / low: -1.3°C / -1.9°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: High

600 m19 · very poor

Wind / gust: 14 mph / 40 mph
Typical / low: -1.3°C / -2.3°C · much of the night
In cloud: 0% of modelled night
Condensation: High

900 m9 · very poor

Wind / gust: 16 mph / 47 mph
Typical / low: -4.7°C / -5.4°C · much of the night
In cloud: 13% of modelled night
Condensation: High

Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 4-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about -6°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.

Open-hillside reference. A sheltered pitch may be calmer; cols and ridges may be much windier. Tent design and the exact pitch still matter. Read about sleeping-bag comfort ratings, pitching in strong winds or using the wild-camping forecast.

Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: wet, slippery rock. Poor0 View detailsHide details

Generic exposed-rock guidance

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Icy patches are likely on the rock, which makes it treacherous without winter kit. Gusts of 30–40 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly psammite, a hard, sandy rock that has been squeezed and heated. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is generally solid and blocky. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.

Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust30-40 mphRain1.2 mm

Main factorsgusts of 30–40 mphwet rock likelySnow is likely to be lying on high ground, with further snowfall possible during the day

Representative rock around the summit and along available routes Psammite Glascarnoch Psammite Formation

Origin: Metamorphic
Broad rock-response group: Psammite, pelite or semipelite
Mapping: BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area: Psammite, pelite or semipelite in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Rock-response profile: Low confidence

View the summit BGS record

Psammite is a hard, sandy rock that has been squeezed and heated. It grips well when dry and is fair when wet. It is generally solid and blocky. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.

Rock groups along the sampled routes

These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.

Beinn Dearg (Ullapool), Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean and Eididh nan Clach Geala

psammite, pelite or semipelite

Generic exposed scrambling terrain; BGS summit-area bedrock samples are included where available, but route grade, exact rock, polish, drainage and escape options remain unresolved. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026. How to use the climbing and scrambling forecast.

Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback

Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. View forecastClose forecast

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Night beginning 2026-11-16. All times are UK local time.

Aurora outlook

Nothing notable expected.

A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.

Stargazing

Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 16 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.

Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.

Moon-free dark sky: 16 Nov, 22:10 GMT to 17 Nov, 05:50 GMT.

Sky conditions through the night

Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time	Viewing conditions
16 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 19:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.
16 Nov, 23:00 GMT to 17 Nov, 00:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.
17 Nov, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.
17 Nov, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.
17 Nov, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.
17 Nov, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.
17 Nov, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.
17 Nov, 05:00 GMT to 05:50 GMT	Poor sky conditions Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Limited model coverage.

Moon, darkness and meteor showers

Around half moon, about 46% illuminated.

Moonset around 16 Nov, 22:10 GMT.

Full darkness: 16 Nov, 18:20 GMT to 17 Nov, 05:50 GMT.

Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.

Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Leonids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.

Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.

Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.

Darkness of the surroundings

Estimated darkness rank 201 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.

2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.

VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.

Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.

Explore the dedicated aurora forecast, meteor shower forecast or dark-sky and astrophotography forecast.

Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit

For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.

Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part

Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.

This is about Meall nan Ceapraichean on Monday 16 November 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.

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Meall nan Ceapraichean weather forecast.

Choose your hill day.

The day on the hill

Snow and navigation

Wind

Cloud and visibility

Rain and ground

Warmth and kit

Daylight

Forecast confidence

Full overnight outlook

Elevation reference (open ground)

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Rock groups along the sampled routes

Beinn Dearg (Ullapool), Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean and Eididh nan Clach Geala

After dark: aurora and stargazing

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely; any glow may be faint or camera-only

Stargazing

Darkness of the surroundings

The day on the hill

Snow and navigation

Wind

Cloud and visibility

Rain and ground

Warmth and kit

Daylight

Forecast confidence

Full overnight outlook

Elevation reference (open ground)

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Rock groups along the sampled routes

Beinn Dearg (Ullapool), Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean and Eididh nan Clach Geala

After dark: aurora and stargazing

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely; any glow may be faint or camera-only

Stargazing

Darkness of the surroundings

The day on the hill

Snow and navigation

Wind

Cloud and visibility

Rain and ground

Warmth and kit

Daylight

Forecast confidence

Full overnight outlook

Elevation reference (open ground)

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Rock groups along the sampled routes

Beinn Dearg (Ullapool), Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean and Eididh nan Clach Geala

After dark: aurora and stargazing

A noticeable aurora display is unlikely; any glow may be faint or camera-only

Stargazing

Darkness of the surroundings

The day on the hill

Snow and navigation

Wind

Cloud and visibility

Rain and ground

Warmth and kit

Daylight

Forecast confidence

Full overnight outlook

Moon overnight

Elevation reference (open ground)

Full climbing & scrambling outlook

Rock groups along the sampled routes

Beinn Dearg (Ullapool), Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean and Eididh nan Clach Geala

After dark: aurora and stargazing

Stargazing

Darkness of the surroundings

The day on the hill

Snow and navigation

Wind

Cloud and visibility

Rain and ground

Warmth and kit

Daylight

Forecast confidence

Full overnight outlook

Moon overnight