Home › Weather › Weather Radar UK
Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the WordPatch weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Check the live radar above before heading out, especially in unsettled weather—it shows rain, sleet and snow moving across the UK in near-real time, so you can plan your journey or walk around downpours without getting caught out.
Does the radar show snow and how accurate is it?
Yes, the live weather radar above detects precipitation type, including snow and sleet, by analysing signal reflection at different altitudes. For the most reliable picture of snow reaching the ground, combine the radar with Met Office ground-level reports—radar can overestimate snow where air is warmer near the surface. Accuracy is generally high for the next 30–60 minutes, making it ideal for short-term planning.
Is the BBC weather radar any different from the Met Office?
Both the BBC and Met Office use the same core data from the UK’s national weather radar network, so the live radar you see above is essentially the same imagery you’d find on either service. The difference lies in presentation and overlays—our version keeps it simple and fast-loading for travellers and commuters who just need to know what’s coming.
How do I read the colours on the live radar?
Blue and green indicate light rain or drizzle; yellow and orange show moderate to heavy rain; red and pink signal very heavy rain or hail. White or pale blue patches often mean snow or sleet. Check the key on the radar display for exact mapping.
Can I see weather radar near Manchester or London?
Yes—zoom into the map above or search for any UK location. The live weather radar covers the whole country, so you can see live weather radar near Manchester, London and everywhere in between with the same 5-minute updates.
Is there a worldwide weather radar view?
This page focuses on the UK, but many global radar mosaics exist. For travel abroad, the BBC and Met Office offer limited international views—check our UK weather hub for links to wider forecasting tools.
Sources
For longer-term planning, see our 10 day weather forecast UK or check if moderate rainfall warnings are in force. If you’re chasing the sun, visit the warmest place in UK today page.