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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Evening Ledger weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
The live radar above shows rain, sleet and snow moving across the UK in near-real time, updated every five minutes from the Met Office’s network of ground-based stations and satellites.
How do I read the weather radar?
Colours on the radar map indicate precipitation intensity. Lighter blues and greens represent light rain or drizzle, while yellows, oranges and reds signal heavier downpours. Whites and pinks typically show snow or sleet. The radar covers the whole of the British Isles and updates automatically so you can track approaching fronts.
- Light rain: pale blue/green, often patchy.
- Heavy rain: yellow to red, may bring local flooding.
- Snow: white or pink shades, common in winter.
- Animation: press play to see movement over the past few hours.
What’s the difference between live radar and forecast radar?
Live weather radar UK data shows what is falling now, while forecast radar predicts where precipitation will be in the next few hours. For planning ahead, combine the live radar above with our 10 day weather forecast UK.
Can I see weather radar for snow, London or Manchester?
Yes. Zoom into any area on the live radar above to check weather radar near London, weather radar near Manchester or weather radar snow UK. The same map works for weather radar world views when you scroll out, though global data may update less frequently.
How accurate is the live weather radar UK Met Office data?
Very accurate for the short term. Ground-based radar detects precipitation within a few kilometres. Doppler technology also estimates wind direction. For longer-term trends, check our long range weather forecast.
Is weather radar BBC the same as the Met Office radar?
No. BBC Weather uses data from the Met Office but displays it on its own platform. The live radar above uses direct Met Office feeds and is independent. For BBC-style forecasts, see our BBC Weather UK page.
Why does the radar sometimes show false echoes?
Buildings, hills and aircraft can briefly reflect radar signals, causing speckles or lines that aren’t real precipitation. These are usually filtered out within minutes. The live radar above automatically applies quality control to minimise errors.