Weather Radar UK
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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Policyline weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Check the live radar above to see where rain, showers or snow are falling across the UK right now. It refreshes every few minutes and gives you a clear picture of what is heading your way, whether you are in London, Manchester or near the coast.
How does the weather radar work?
The Met Office network of radar stations scans the atmosphere for precipitation. The live radar above shows rain, sleet and snow in different colours. Green and blue indicate light rain; yellow, orange and red show heavier bursts. For the latest live weather radar UK data, the Met Office updates its network every five minutes. If you see a large area of red moving east, expect a wet hour ahead. The radar also picks up hail and can indicate where thunderstorm cells are developing.
Can the radar show snow?
Yes, the weather radar snow signature is often pink or white on most displays. However, the radar beam can struggle to distinguish between wet snow and heavy rain near the ground. For reliable weather radar snow UK updates, cross-check with local temperature maps and the Met Office’s own snow warnings. The live radar above is a good starting point for spotting bands of snow moving in from the North Sea or across high ground in Scotland and northern England.
Is the weather radar near London accurate for the city centre?
The radar beam scans above ground level, so it may miss very localised drizzle or show showers that are a few miles off. For London, the nearest radar station is at Chenies, about 20 miles north-west; readings are generally reliable for the whole Greater London area.
Can I use weather radar world to check conditions abroad?
The live radar above covers only the UK and near‑continent. For a weather radar world view, other national services such as EUMETSAT or the US National Weather Service provide global composites. The BBC Weather page also offers world radar loops for major regions.
Does the live weather radar UK Met Office show wind direction?
No, a rain radar displays only precipitation intensity. For wind direction and speed, use the separate wind maps on the UK weather hub or the Met Office’s surface pressure charts. The radar loop can, however, show you the general movement of rain bands.
Sources
For longer-term planning, see our 10 Day Weather Forecast UK or check Weather Tomorrow UK for a quick outlook. If heavy rain is likely, read the Moderate Rainfall Warning page for advice on local flooding and travel disruption.
