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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 20 June 2026 by the BritView weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
The live radar above gives you a real-time view of rain and precipitation moving across the UK, updated every few minutes from Met Office and rain radar network data. It’s the quickest way to see if wet weather is heading your way.
How to read the weather radar map
Colours on the live radar above tell the story. Blues and greens show light rain or drizzle; yellows and oranges signal heavier, more persistent showers; and reds or pinks indicate intense downpours or, during colder months, weather radar snow. The movement of these bands, shown as the radar sweeps across the map, reveals which direction the weather is tracking — and whether you’ll need a coat or umbrella in the next hour. You can also zoom in on weather radar near London or weather radar near Manchester for a more local view.
What about the Met Office and BBC radar?
The live radar above draws on the same network of ground-based stations used by the Met Office and the BBC. For a deeper dive into the week ahead, you can check the UK weather hub or see BBC Weather UK for detailed forecasts. If snow is a concern, the weather radar snow overlay on this page will highlight when precipitation is likely to fall as flakes rather than rain. For longer-term planning, the 10 Day Weather Forecast UK is a good companion to the live view.
Can I use the radar to check if it’s raining right now?
Yes. The live radar above shows current precipitation. If you see a coloured band over your location, rain or snow is falling or arriving within minutes. It’s best used alongside the Moderate Rainfall Warning for severe weather.
Why does the radar sometimes show no data?
Occasional gaps happen when a ground station is offline or during routine maintenance. The network usually recovers within a few minutes. If you’re planning a trip, the Long Range Weather Forecast can help fill the gap.
Is the radar on this page the same as the Met Office’s?
It uses the same underlying data, so you’ll see the same live weather radar uk met office picture. The presentation may differ slightly, but the rain and snow readings are consistent.