The Met Office has today made major changes to its mountain weather forecasts.
The new style forecasts divide Scotland’s mountains into five areas – Northwest Highlands, Southwest Highlands, North Grampians, South Grampians and Southeast Highlands, replacing the previous forecasts which featured only an east-west split. The details now include the percentage chance of cloud-free summits – similar to the Mountain Weather Information Service familiar to many – but also split the forecast into three hourly periods through the day, have traffic-light colour coding for weather hazards, and provide a summary forecast up to 5 days ahead.
Poor visibility on the Cairngorms
Richard Orrell of the Met Office, commented to the BBC: “Mountain weather can change very quickly. Good weather can rapidly turn severe when altitude is added to the mix, so being prepared is essential.
“Our new and improved Mountain Forecast is compiled by specially-trained meteorologists who often spend time in the hills and mountains and know the ins and outs of mountain weather.”