Mills Observatory Weather Tracker: 26-31 October 2026
Mills Observatory is back open following Storm Boelo, and there could be some promising opportunities for stargazing in Dundee as the city recovers from a weekend of severe weather.
The observatory was forced to close on Saturday 24 October as Storm Boelo brought strong winds and disruption to Dundee and the surrounding area.
But with Mills reopening for another week of Season 91, Dundee Culture's latest weather tracker shows a mixture of rain, cloud and potentially clearer skies over the coming days.
Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday currently look like the most promising evenings for stargazing, although further unsettled weather is expected earlier in the week.
A yellow weather warning for wind is also in place for Tuesday 27 October.
Here's the latest outlook for 26–31 October.
Monday 26 October
🔴 POOR | Light rain | 13°C
The week begins with further unsettled conditions over Dundee following Storm Boelo.
Light rain is currently forecast, with temperatures of around 13°C.
Cloud cover and wet weather could significantly restrict opportunities for observing the night sky through the telescope.
Monday receives a POOR stargazing outlook.
Tuesday 27 October
🔴 POOR | Rain | 8°C
Unfortunately, Tuesday looks like another challenging evening for stargazing.
Rain is forecast over Dundee, with temperatures dropping to around 8°C.
A yellow weather warning for wind is also in place, bringing the possibility of further disruption following the weekend's storm.
Strong winds can also affect telescope operations, even if there are occasional breaks in the cloud.
Tuesday receives a POOR stargazing outlook.
Visitors should check the latest weather warnings and any operational announcements from Mills Observatory before travelling.
Wednesday 28 October
🟡 FAIR | Partly cloudy | 11°C
Conditions could begin to improve on Wednesday, with partly cloudy skies forecast over Dundee.
Clear intervals alongside scattered or mid-level clouds could provide opportunities for telescope viewing, particularly if the weather settles following the unsettled start to the week.
Wednesday receives a FAIR stargazing outlook.
Thursday 29 October
🟡 FAIR | Partly cloudy | 11°C
Thursday is looking similarly promising, with another evening of partly cloudy conditions expected.
There could be opportunities to observe the night sky between passing clouds, with temperatures forecast to remain around 11°C.
Thursday receives a FAIR stargazing outlook.
Friday 30 October
🟠 MODERATE | Mostly cloudy | 11°C
Cloud cover is expected to increase again on Friday, with mostly cloudy conditions forecast over Dundee.
Although occasional clearer intervals could develop, opportunities for telescope viewing are likely to be more limited than on Wednesday or Thursday.
Friday receives a MODERATE stargazing outlook.
Saturday 31 October
🟡 FAIR | Partly cloudy, risk of scattered showers | 8°C
The final evening of October could bring another opportunity for stargazing, although conditions remain somewhat uncertain.
Partly cloudy skies are forecast, with clear intervals potentially offering opportunities for telescope viewing.
However, there is also a risk of scattered showers, which could interrupt observations throughout the evening.
Temperatures are expected to fall to around 8°C.
Saturday receives a FAIR stargazing outlook, although the risk of showers is worth keeping in mind.
What do the ratings mean?
Throughout Season 91, Dundee Culture is using four simple ratings to give visitors an indication of expected observing conditions at Mills Observatory.
🟢 GOOD – Clear or mostly clear skies are expected, providing promising prospects for stargazing.
🟡 FAIR – Predominantly clear skies with scattered or intermittent cloud, offering potential opportunities for telescope viewing.
🟠 MODERATE – Cloud is expected to dominate, although occasional clearer intervals could provide limited opportunities for observing.
🔴 POOR – Overcast, persistent cloud or rain is expected, meaning telescope viewing is likely to be severely limited.
The ratings relate specifically to stargazing conditions and aren't an indication of whether Mills Observatory itself is worth visiting.
There's still plenty to discover inside the observatory when Dundee's weather doesn't cooperate!
A mixed outlook as Mills reopens following Storm Boelo
Following Saturday's temporary closure during Storm Boelo, Mills Observatory is welcoming visitors back for another week of Season 91.
Although Monday and Tuesday look unfavourable for stargazing, Wednesday and Thursday currently offer some of the better opportunities, with partly cloudy skies expected.
Saturday could also provide some clearer intervals, although scattered showers remain a possibility.
Dundee Culture's Mills Observatory Weather Tracker is published every Sunday throughout Season 91, looking ahead to conditions during the observatory's Monday to Saturday opening days.
All forecasts are based on the latest weather information available at the time of publication. Conditions can change quickly, and telescope observations at Mills Observatory cannot be guaranteed.
Mills Observatory is free to visit, with no booking required for general admission. The observatory is normally open Monday to Friday from 4pm until 10pm and Saturday from 6.30pm until 10pm.
Visitors are encouraged to check for any weather-related closures or changes to opening arrangements before travelling.
After a particularly stormy weekend, here's hoping Dundee gets a few opportunities to enjoy the night sky before October comes to an end!
