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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Morning Times weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
A weather radar detects precipitation in real time, showing where rain, sleet or snow is falling across the UK. The live radar above updates every few minutes, giving you a practical view of incoming weather so you can plan your day without guesswork.
What does the live weather radar show?
The live radar above uses data from the Met Office network to display rainfall intensity, from light drizzle to heavy downpours. You can see bands of rain moving across the country, including live weather radar uk coverage that highlights showers near your location. For winter months, weather radar snow detection shows where flakes are expected, while the weather radar bbc feed (integrated here) provides consistent updates.
How can I use the radar for my day?
Check the radar before heading out: blue patches mean light rain, while red or yellow indicate heavier bursts. If you see weather radar snow uk moving in, allow extra travel time. For a broader picture, the live weather radar uk met office layer gives you official warnings alongside the imagery. The weather radar world option is useful if you’re tracking storms abroad.
How far ahead can the radar predict rain?
The radar shows current precipitation only, not future forecasts. For the next few hours, use the loop feature on the live radar above to see movement trends.
Does the radar work at night?
Yes, radar uses radio waves, not light. It operates 24/7, so you can check for overnight showers or snow before morning.
Why does the radar sometimes show no data?
Brief gaps occur during maintenance or when the radar beam is blocked by hills or buildings. Data usually returns within 30 minutes.
For more detail, see our UK weather hub or check the 10 day weather forecast UK. You can also view moderate rainfall warnings or find the warmest place in UK today.