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.
The live radar above shows rain moving across the UK in near-real time, updated every five minutes. For Reading, the nearest band of persistent drizzle is pushing in from the Bristol Channel, likely reaching the town within the next hour.
Where is the rain right now, and when will it reach my location?
The live radar above uses data from the Met Office’s network of ground-based weather radars. The coloured blobs show intensity: light blue for drizzle, yellow for moderate rain, and red for heavy downpours. If you’re in the South East, a band of yellow is currently crossing the Isle of Wight and heading towards Hampshire. For those in the North West, a separate system is brushing the coast near Blackpool, but it should stay offshore until late afternoon.
How accurate is a 3-hour rain radar forecast?
The 3-hour rain radar loop on the live display is a nowcast — a short-term prediction based on the current movement of rain cells. It’s generally reliable for the next 60–90 minutes, especially for widespread frontal rain. Beyond that, small showers can develop or fizzle out unpredictably. For a longer view, check the BBC Weather forecast or our Weather Tomorrow UK page.
Can I see rain radar for Europe or the world?
The live radar above covers the UK and Ireland only. For rain radar Europe or rain radar world, the Met Office provides a European composite, but it updates less frequently — typically every 15 minutes. We recommend third-party sites like Windy for global coverage.
How do I check rain radar at my location?
The live radar above is centred on the UK. To see rain radar at my location, simply allow your browser to share your location when prompted, or manually zoom in on the map. The radar will then show the rain directly overhead.
Is the radar data the same as the BBC Weather app?
Yes, the underlying data for rain radar uk and bbc weather both come from the Met Office. The BBC app uses the same radar composite, though the display interface may differ slightly. For the most detailed view, the Met Office’s own radar page offers additional layers like cloud cover.