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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Public Journal weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Check the live radar above to see where rain, sleet or snow is falling right now across the UK, and whether it is heading your way. It updates every few minutes, so you can plan your next hour or two without getting caught out.
How does the weather radar work?
The radar network, run by the Met Office, sends out pulses of microwave energy that bounce off raindrops, snowflakes and hail. The returning signal shows where precipitation is happening and how heavy it is. The live radar above combines data from several UK sites to give a near-real-time picture of what is moving in from the Atlantic, across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What can I see on the radar today?
For London and the South East, the radar may show patchy light rain moving through. For Manchester and the North West, bands of heavier showers could be arriving from the Irish Sea. If you are inland, away from the coast, the radar will pick out where showers are developing over higher ground. In winter, toggle the snow layer on the live radar above to see where sleet or snow is falling across Scotland and northern England.
Is the live radar the same as the BBC weather radar?
The live radar above uses Met Office data, which is the same source the BBC uses for its own weather radar. You can check the BBC Weather UK page for a different view, but the source data is comparable.
Can I see weather radar for other countries?
Yes. The same technology works globally. For weather radar world coverage, the Met Office and other national services share data. The live radar above focuses on the UK, but you can find international radar on dedicated sites.
How accurate is the radar for snow?
Radar can detect snow, but it is less precise than for rain because snowflakes reflect signals differently. For the best weather radar snow UK picture, combine the live radar above with local ground reports and the Moderate Rainfall Warning page.
For more detail, see the UK weather hub or check the Weather Tomorrow UK forecast. If you need a longer view, the 10 Day Weather Forecast UK and Long Range Weather Forecast pages are also updated daily.