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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the MarketUK weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Check the live radar above to see rain, sleet or snow moving across your location now. The data updates every 5–15 minutes, giving you a real-time view of precipitation intensity and direction for the UK and surrounding areas.
What does the weather radar show for the UK right now?
The live radar above maps precipitation intensity in mm/h, with colours ranging from light blue (drizzle) through to red (heavy downpours). For the UK, the most useful view is the 1–6 hour loop, which shows whether a band of rain is heading toward your area. If you see a solid band approaching from the west, expect wet weather within the next hour or two. For those tracking live weather radar UK Met Office data, this mirrors the official network but with a slightly faster refresh on clear days.
Can the radar detect snow or hail?
Yes. Weather radar can identify snow and hail by analysing the reflectivity and polarisation of the returned signal. Snow typically appears as a diffuse, lighter-coloured area on the radar, while hail shows as intense, small, high-reflectivity cores. For weather radar snow UK tracking, look for areas where the precipitation is falling in sub-zero surface temperatures — the radar will still show it, but the colour scale remains the same as for rain. The Long Range Weather Forecast can help you plan ahead for potential snow events.
How far ahead can the radar forecast?
The live radar above provides a nowcast — a very short-term forecast up to about 2 hours ahead. Beyond that, the movement of precipitation bands becomes less certain. For a longer view, combine the radar with the 10 Day Weather Forecast UK or check the BBC Weather UK page for model-based outlooks.
What is the difference between weather radar and satellite imagery?
Radar uses ground-based pulses to detect precipitation particles; satellite imagery shows cloud tops from space. Radar is better for tracking rain and snow on the ground, while satellites show the broader cloud cover.
Why does the radar sometimes show no data?
Radar can be blocked by hills, buildings or mountains (especially in the Scottish Highlands or Welsh valleys). Also, very light drizzle or virga (rain that evaporates before hitting the ground) may not be detected.
Can I use the radar to check weather near London or Manchester?
Yes. The live radar above covers the entire UK. Zoom into the map to see weather radar near London or weather radar near Manchester with the same high-resolution data as the rest of the country.