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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 20 June 2026 by the Current UK weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
The live radar above shows current precipitation across the UK, updated every few minutes. Use it to track rain, sleet or snow in real time, especially useful when planning travel or checking if a shower will reach your location.
What can I see on the live weather radar?
The radar colour scale indicates intensity – light blue for drizzle, darker blues and reds for heavy rain, and pink/white for snow. The live weather radar UK (sourced from the Met Office) covers the whole country and updates roughly every five minutes, giving a near-real-time picture of what’s heading your way.
Checking weather radar near London or Manchester
You can zoom into any region on the live radar above to see conditions near London, Manchester or elsewhere. For longer-term planning, combine the radar with our 10-day forecast or check rainfall warnings for severe weather. The same data is used by BBC Weather, so the radar you see here aligns with their forecasts.
Is weather radar accurate for snow in the UK?
Radar detects snow but can underestimate intensity because snowflakes are lighter than raindrops. For heavy snow, the radar often shows pink or white returns. Combining radar with tomorrow’s forecast improves accuracy for winter travel.
Can I see weather radar for other countries?
Many services offer weather radar world views, but the radar above is limited to the UK. For travel abroad, check local meteorological offices or global radar platforms. The UK radar is especially reliable for live weather radar UK and live weather radar UK Met Office coverage.
How far ahead can weather radar predict rain?
Radar shows current precipitation only. To see what might arrive in the next few hours, look at the radar’s movement animation. For longer outlooks, use our UK weather hub or the 10-day forecast.