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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 13 June 2026 by the Insight Britain weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
The live radar above shows where rain, snow or hail is falling across the UK right now. Colours indicate intensity (green for light rain, red for heavy downpours) and the loop reveals how quickly weather is moving towards your location.
How to read the live weather radar
The map you see above updates automatically, usually every 5 to 10 minutes. The colour scale runs from pale blue (very light drizzle) through green and yellow to orange and red (intense rainfall or hail). When snow is falling, the radar may show a different signature – look for the weather radar snow settings on the widget that separate rain from snow. Arrows or an animation loop let you judge the speed and direction of precipitation. For example, if you are checking weather radar near London, a band of yellow moving eastwards means you can expect heavier rain in the next 30-60 minutes. The same principle works for weather radar near Manchester: a trailing patch of green suggests light showers will follow a front.
How often does the radar update?
The live weather radar uk feed you see is refreshed from the Met Office’s network of radar stations every 5 minutes during active weather, and every 10 minutes in quieter conditions. This near-real-time view is distinct from a forecast: it shows what is actually happening now, not what is predicted. For the most up-to-date picture, the widget above is your best source – it combines data from the UK’s radar network with satellite imagery to give you a complete picture of precipitation across the country.
Radar vs forecast: what’s the difference?
A radar image is an observation; a forecast is a prediction. The weather radar bbc and live weather radar uk met office feeds both use the same underlying data – ground-based radar pulses that bounce off raindrops, snowflakes or hailstones. The widget above shows that data as it arrives. If you want to know what will happen in the next few hours, use our Weather Forecast UK page alongside the radar to cross-check the timing of fronts. For longer planning, our 10 Day Weather Forecast UK gives the broader picture.
When is radar most useful?
Radar excels at tracking short-lived, localised weather. During summer thunderstorms, the weather radar uk loop can show you exactly where the heaviest cells are forming and moving. In winter, weather radar snow uk is especially valuable: the radar can distinguish between rain and snow (the signal is weaker for dry snowflakes), so you can see whether a band of precipitation is turning to snow as it reaches higher ground. Radar is also essential for spotting sharp showers that forecasts often miss – a sudden red blob appearing on the live weather radar uk feed means you should expect a brief but heavy downpour.
What the live forecast above shows for the UK today
Looking at the live conditions above, a band of moderate rain is moving eastwards across the Midlands and into East Anglia, with yellow patches indicating locally intense bursts. Northern England and Scotland will see light drizzle clearing, while the south-west remains mostly dry with broken cloud. Weather radar world view (toggleable on the widget) shows similar fronts approaching from the Atlantic – these will arrive in western areas later this evening, so check the animation loop to see exactly when your town will be affected. For a detailed breakdown of conditions in your region, see UK Weather Today.
Can I see weather radar for other parts of the world?
Yes – the widget above includes a ‘world’ overlay that combines radar composite data from Europe and the US. This is useful if you are tracking a storm system that will travel across the Atlantic, or if you want to see what weather is heading towards the UK from the continent. The weather radar world view updates less frequently (typically every 15 minutes) but provides context for how weather patterns are evolving.
What do the colours mean on the weather radar?
Blue and green indicate light rain or drizzle (typically less than 1 mm per hour). Yellow and orange mean moderate to heavy rain (2–10 mm per hour). Red and magenta indicate very intense downpours, often with hail or strong convective storms. For snow, the radar shows a weaker signal – many apps overlay a separate snow symbol when conditions are right.
Is the radar the same as a forecast?
No. Radar is a live observation of what is falling now. A forecast predicts future weather based on models. For the best planning, combine the radar with our Weather Forecast UK page to see whether the current rain band will strengthen or weaken. Our UK weather warnings page also tells you if the Met Office has issued alerts based on radar trends.
How accurate is weather radar for snow in the UK?
Radar can detect snow, but its accuracy drops compared to rain because snowflakes are smaller and less reflective. The weather radar snow uk feed typically works well when the snow is wet and heavy; for dry, powdery snow, the signal may be weak. Always check ground reports and the live weather radar uk met office feed for the most reliable interpretation.
For a broader overview of UK weather conditions, visit our UK weather hub.