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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the ScopePress weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
The Met Office rain radar network covers the whole UK, updated every 5–15 minutes, detecting precipitation type and intensity. The live radar above shows current rain, sleet or snow across Britain, so you can see what’s heading your way in the next hour.
What does the rainfall intensity scale mean on the UK radar?
The radar colour scale runs from light blue (0.1–1 mm/h drizzle) through green (1–4 mm/h moderate rain) to red/purple (>8 mm/h heavy downpours). Snow appears as pale blue or white, depending on reflectivity. The live radar above applies the same Met Office colours used on BBC Weather and the Met Office app.
How reliable is the UK weather radar for snow detection?
Radar can detect snow, but its accuracy falls when the snow is dry and fluffy (low reflectivity) or mixed with rain. A live weather radar snow UK feed is most reliable for wet snow or heavy sleet. For precise snowfall forecasts, combine the live radar above with Moderate Rainfall Warning updates.
Can I see live weather radar for cities like London or Manchester?
Yes. The live radar above covers the whole UK, so you can zoom to weather radar near London or weather radar near Manchester. For a global view, use the weather radar world overlay on the same map, though resolution drops outside the UK.
How far ahead can the UK weather radar predict rain?
Radar shows what is falling now. For short-term nowcasting (0–2 hours), the Met Office’s extrapolation is fairly accurate. For longer, check 10 Day Weather Forecast UK.
Why does the radar sometimes show rain that isn’t reaching the ground?
Virga – rain that evaporates before hitting the ground – shows on radar because the beam detects precipitation aloft. This is common in summer or over dry air.
Is the Met Office or BBC weather radar more accurate?
Both use the same Met Office raw data. BBC Weather adds its own visual styling. The live weather radar uk met office on this page is the authoritative source for UK rain, snow and drizzle.
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Related: UK weather hub · BBC Weather UK · Weather Tomorrow UK · Long Range Weather Forecast · Warmest Place In Uk Today