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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 forecast above for today’s icons, then use this guide to decode what each symbol means. Knowing the difference between a light shower and heavy rain helps you pack the right coat before heading out.
What do the main weather symbols look like?
UK forecasts from the Met Office and BBC Weather use a standard set of symbols. A bright yellow sun means clear skies, while a sun partly covered by a white cloud indicates variable cloud with sunny intervals. Grey clouds with rain stripes show precipitation; one stripe is light rain, three stripes heavy rain. A white snowflake means snow, and an arrow with a number gives wind direction and speed. Many weather apps also use these symbols – the iPhone’s default weather app and Android alternatives follow a similar chart, though colours may differ. If you see a crescent moon, it’s a night-time forecast (useful for checking frost risk).
How do I read the symbols on a weather app?
Symbols on apps like the iPhone Weather app or BBC Weather display a combination of cloud cover, rain intensity and time of day. A sun icon with a small rain cloud underneath means a brief showers – common on British summer afternoons. Double cloud and single rain stripe often means “overcast with light drizzle”. For travellers, the key is to look at the symbol’s background: a blue background usually indicates night, while the white or grey background is daytime. Wind symbols appear as arrows near the temperature – longer lines mean stronger gusts.
What does a sun behind a cloud symbol mean?
It means variable cloud cover – some sunny spells but occasional cloud. No rain is shown unless a rain stripe is attached. It’s a common UK symbol for changeable days.
Why are there different rain symbols on the same day?
Forecasts break the day into three-hour or hourly blocks. Early showers give way to dry spells, so the symbol changes to reflect each period. Always check the time stamp next to the symbol for your travel window.
Can I trust weather symbols for planning a trip?
Yes for general trends, but always read the text summary for precipitation probability. Symbols are quick reference c; use the live forecast above alongside a full 10-day forecast for confidence.
For local travel planning, see our UK weather hub and check the Birmingham forecast for city-specific icons.