The earlier forecasts will help hillgoers planning trips in winter

Britain’s specialist mountain weather service is now issuing its forecasts earlier.

The Mountain Weather Information Service daily update will now take place at 1.30pm.

Andy Ross of the independent meteorology outfit relied upon by many hillgoers said: “This is done every winter as an aid to safe decision making for hillwalkers and climbers, allowing for earlier forward planning during the winter months.

“All forecasts will continue to be updated whenever necessary throughout the day, with the 1.30pm release being a major update and all others being amendments to the major release.

“On most days an amendment is made at around 7.30am, but it should be noted that other amendments may well take place during the course of the day should changing conditions dictate.”

The MWIS forecasts cover eight mountain areas of Britain and the Scottish forecasts are funded by sportscotland with the support of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, though the English and Welsh forecasts are unfunded.

Details of the forecasts can be seen on the Mountain Weather Information Service website, which also has a news  feed from grough.