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Weather Radar UK

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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Norwich Wire weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.

Check the live radar above for real-time precipitation intensity across the UK. The Met Office’s network of rain radars tracks rain, sleet and snow, giving you minute-by-minute data to plan your next hour in Norwich or further afield.

What is weather radar and how does it work?

Weather radar emits pulses of microwave energy that bounce off raindrops, snowflakes, and other particles in the atmosphere. By measuring the time it takes for the signal to return and its strength, the system builds a detailed map of precipitation location and intensity. The live radar above updates regularly from Met Office and BBC Weather feeds, covering the entire UK. For localised readings near London, Manchester or Norwich itself, zoom the interactive display.

What can I use the live radar for?

Beyond simple rain tracking, the radar shows evolving weather radar snow events in winter and helps you spot approaching bands of heavy showers. It’s a practical tool for checking if a walk along the Norfolk coast will stay dry or when to bring in the washing. The data also feeds into the BBC Weather forecasts and the UK weather hub on Norwich Wire.

CoverageWhole UK, updated every 5–15 minutes
Types detectedRain, drizzle, sleet, snow, hail
Data sourceMet Office rain radar network
Best useShort-term nowcasting (0–2 hours ahead)
Can I see weather radar for the whole world?

The live radar above is focused on the UK mainland and immediate offshore areas. For weather radar world views, the Met Office and other agencies provide global composites, but our page is tailored for British users needing local detail.

Does the radar show weather radar snow accurately?

Yes, modern dual-polarisation radars distinguish snow from rain by analysing the shape and size of particles. In winter, the live display switches to a colour scale that highlights weather radar snow uk areas, though ground-level observations complement the data.

How does this compare to BBC Weather radar?

BBC Weather uses Met Office radar data – the same as our feed. The key difference is that the live embed here gives you an interactive, real-time view without adverts or page reloads, making it ideal for quick checks.

For longer-term planning, check the 10 Day Weather Forecast UK or see Weather Tomorrow UK. If heavy rain is shown on the radar, the Moderate Rainfall Warning page lists official alerts. You can also find Warmest Place In Uk Today trends.