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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Reading Wire weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Netweather radar is a free, high-resolution live rainfall tracker showing current precipitation across the UK. The live radar above updates every five minutes, letting you see exactly where rain, sleet or snow is falling and how it’s moving in near-real time.
How do I read the Netweather radar?
Colours on the radar correspond to rainfall intensity – light blue for drizzle, through green and yellow for moderate rain, to red for heavy downpours. The live radar above also shows a short animation of the past hour, which helps you judge the direction and speed of approaching weather systems.
How reliable is the radar?
Netweather combines data from the Met Office’s network of weather radars with its own processing. It’s a trusted tool for hobbyists and professionals alike, though like all radar it can sometimes overestimate light rain or be affected by hills and buildings. For official warnings always check the Moderate Rainfall Warning page.
Is Netweather radar free to use?
Yes – the basic radar loop with current rainfall is completely free. A premium subscription unlocks extra layers like lightning strikes, high-resolution satellite imagery and longer forecast animations.
How often does the Netweather radar update?
New images are produced every five minutes. The live radar above automatically refreshes, so you rarely need to reload the page manually. The data is processed from the Met Office’s network of 15 radars across the UK.
Can I see future rainfall on Netweather radar?
No – the radar shows only what has already fallen or is falling now. For future precipitation you can use the 10 Day Weather Forecast UK or the UK weather hub at Reading Wire Weather.