Rainfall Radar Weather

The Met Office rainfall radar shows live precipitation across the UK, updated every five minutes from a network of ground-based stations. For a detailed view, use the live radar above to track rain intensity and movement near your location.

How accurate is the rainfall radar and when is it most useful?

The rainfall radar provides a reliable picture of current precipitation, particularly for identifying approaching showers or longer bands of rain. It is most helpful during unsettled spells, giving you a 30–60 minute window for planning short trips. For longer-term plans, combine the live radar above with a 10-day weather forecast. The radar struggles with very light drizzle and can sometimes overestimate intensity in mountainous areas, so treat the colours as a guide rather than a precise measurement.

How do I use the Met Office rainfall radar for London and beyond?

Zoom into the radar map above to see localised showers, or zoom out for a national overview. For met office rainfall radar London specifically, centre the map on the capital. The radar’s colour scale runs from blue (light rain) through yellow and orange to red (heavy downpours). Check the Weather Radar UK page for a step-by-step guide, or visit BBC Weather UK for an alternative forecast.