The day on the hill
On Meall Tairneachan: summit wind broadly 10-25 mph, with gusts 25-35 mph at times (a fresh breeze).
Things to watch
Severe spate risk from the morning into the afternoon, with recent and forecast rain and subsequent runoff. Timings are approximate, not a guarantee of safe crossings afterwards. Burns and unbridged crossings may become difficult or impassable. Turn back if a crossing looks unsafe.
Cloud & views
Cloud base around 600–900 m in the morning, lifting to 1500–1800 m around midday. Summit cloud is extensive early, becoming less frequent later.
Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud. Clear spells may be difficult to time.
Cloud may hang lower on northwestern slopes and lift somewhat on the southeastern side, but local terrain can differ. Sunny spells are possible away from summit cloud, but may not reach the top while it is in cloud.
Rain & temperature
Little or no rain is forecast. Cold on exposed tops: air temperature broadly 4 to 8°C, feeling around -2 to 2°C in the wind.
Forecast confidence
Cloud height remains uncertain, especially where it is close to summit level. A windproof layer will help, with an extra warm layer for stops.
Cloud-height uncertainty could put the summit in or out of cloud, even where forecasts agree on the wider cloud cover.
Cloud-free timing: Cloudy early, clearing later.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 4.3 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
- 2.3 h
- Later
- 1 h
Overnight forecast: 17:00–08:00 (UK local time), in Wild camping below.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA broadly very good night on a well-chosen pitch. 90/100Excellent · 600 m View detailsHide details
Full overnight outlook
Open-hillside camping looks very good overall around 600 m (90/100). Light winds are expected on open ground, though local shelter and exposure still matter. Little overnight rain is forecast.
Moon overnight
Waxing gibbous moon
- Illuminated disc
- 92%
- Moonrise
- 18:22 BST
- Moonset
- 03:58 next morning BST
Clear spells may allow a view of the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 23 Sep, 17:00 BST to 24 Sep, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
- Wind / gust
- 7 mph / 16 mph
- Typical / low
- 6.7°C / 5.7°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Low
- Wind / gust
- 8 mph / 19 mph
- Typical / low
- 6.7°C / 5.7°C · much of the night
- In cloud
- 0% of modelled night
- Condensation
- Low
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-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 & scramblingBetaRock may be damp or still drying. Gusts near 30 mph may affect balance on exposed rock. Poor31/100 View detailsHide details
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Conditions for exposed scrambling look poor (31/100). Recent rain may leave seepage and damp rock, especially on shaded sections. The mapped summit rock is Calcareous pelite (Ben Lawers Schist Formation). Dry quartz-rich bands can be grippy, while mica-rich or foliated sections, lichen and vegetation may become slippery when wet. Gusts may reach about 30 mph. Crosswinds can make exposed ridges substantially more serious.
Dry quartz-rich bands can be grippy, while mica-rich or foliated sections, lichen and vegetation may become slippery when wet. Summit-point bedrock mapping; the actual route may cross different rock, superficial deposits, polish, lichen or seepage.
Generic exposed scrambling terrain; mapped summit-point bedrock is 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.
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Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaNight-sky guidance is unavailable for this night. View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night-sky guidance is unavailable for this night. This does not mean clear skies or no aurora.
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.
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