This year’s avalanche warning service on north mountains launches today, as any snow on the hills is quickly melting in one of the mildest December spells for years.
But the topsy-turvy nature of our weather continues as warnings of high winds returning to the region were issued last night.
Experts from the Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) will head out today to produce reports on the stability of the snowpack for walkers and skiers, while the Met Office issued a yellow “be aware” warning for the eastern part of the Highlands.
They are predicting southerly gusts up to 70mph across the east of the region, particularly over Nairn and the Cairngorms, this morning.
The warning comes after the Highlands and islands were battered by storms last week that caused widespread damage to trees and buildings and left thousands of homes without electricity.
The Highlands experienced the warmest temperatures in the country during Tuesday night with some parts warmer during the night than during the day.
Achnagart near Lairg was a “hotspot” with 16.2C recorded during darkness.
It was positively springlike in Inverness yesterday, the pansies and mini daffodils out in bloom at Cavell Gardens.
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCoS) warned that the sudden warm spell also poses a variety of safety issues.
Heather Morning, the MCoS safety adviser, said that people heading out on the hills should check both the weather and avalanche forecasts and choose their route accordingly.
She added: “Thawing conditions combined with rain at all levels can often lead to challenging burn and river crossings. If you are heading for the hills this week it would be worth paying particular attention to your choice of route as burns may be impassable in spate.”
She added: “The temperature may be above freezing, but wind chill can be a killer, especially if your clothes are wet.
“Surprisingly, wind chill is most marked at lower wind speeds up to 15mph and can lead to hypothermia. Adding that extra layer, such as a synthetic duvet jacket, to your winter rucksack in case of emergency is recommended.”
Eight people died in three major avalanches last year, the highest fatality toll for many years.
The SAIS will provide forecasts for eight mountain areas. And for the first time, there will be a limited forecast for the Torridon area. The pilot scheme will start on Christmas Eve and run on various days until February 22.
SAIS co-ordinator Mark Diggins said mountaineers must guard against being caught out by the rapidly changing conditions.
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