Live Weather Map Track current precipitation, storms and changing weather conditions with our interactive live weather radar. Use the map controls to zoom, move around the map and explore current weather conditions in different regions. Weather radar explained What is a weather radar? A weather radar is a tool used to detect and display precipitation and developing weather systems. It helps show where rain, snow and other forms of precipitation are occurring and how those areas are changing over time. Unlike a normal weather forecast, which predicts future conditions, radar information focuses primarily on what is happening now or has happened very recently. This makes it especially useful when weather conditions are changing quickly. The live map above allows you to explore current weather activity across large regions and zoom in on specific areas. You can use it as a quick overview before travelling, planning outdoor activities or checking whether rain or storms are approaching. How radar works How does weather radar work? Weather radar systems send out radio waves that travel through the atmosphere. When those waves encounter precipitation such as raindrops, snowflakes or hail, part of the signal is reflected back toward the radar station. The returned signal helps estimate where precipitation is located and how strong it may be. By repeatedly scanning the atmosphere, radar systems can also show how precipitation areas are moving and changing. Radar data helps identify where precipitation is currently occurring. Stronger radar returns can indicate heavier precipitation compared with weaker returns. Repeated radar scans make it possible to observe how rain and storm areas move across a region. Using the live map How to read the weather radar map Start by moving and zooming the map to the region you want to inspect. A broad view is useful for seeing larger weather systems, while a closer view can help you understand the conditions affecting a smaller area. Radar maps typically use different colors to represent varying precipitation intensity. Lighter shades usually indicate weaker precipitation, while stronger colors may represent more intense rain or other forms of precipitation. The exact color scale can vary depending on the map and selected layer. It is also useful to look at the overall shape and movement of precipitation areas rather than focusing only on one point. A larger band of precipitation moving toward your area may be more important than a small isolated shower nearby. Because radar displays can update over time, comparing successive views can help you judge whether rain or storms are moving toward or away from a location. Precipitation tracking Track rain, snow and precipitation One of the main uses of weather radar is monitoring precipitation. The map can help you see where rain is currently falling and where precipitation areas are developing. This can be useful when planning journeys, outdoor events or everyday activities. If a larger rain area is moving across your region, radar information can give you a much clearer picture than a simple weather symbol alone. For a more focused precipitation view, open our Rain Radar . During colder conditions, the Snow Cover Map provides additional information about snow-covered areas. Rain radar focuses specifically on precipitation and can be particularly useful for identifying showers, larger rain bands and areas of heavier rainfall. When a weather system is moving through a region, radar can provide a quick visual indication of where the most active areas are located. Snow and winter weather During winter, radar information may help show areas of precipitation, while dedicated snow maps provide a broader view of snow cover and winter conditions. Temperature near the surface also plays an important role in determining whether precipitation reaches the ground as rain, sleet or snow. Monitor storms and severe weather Weather radar is especially valuable when thunderstorms or other strong weather systems are developing. Areas of intense precipitation can become visible on radar before they reach your location. By watching how storm areas move across the map, you can get a better understanding of whether severe weather is approaching, moving away or passing nearby. Radar alone should not be treated as an official warning system. For dangerous weather, always follow alerts and instructions from the responsible meteorological and emergency authorities in your region. For a more focused view of convective weather, use the Thunderstorm Tracker . Tropical systems can also be followed on the Hurricane Radar . Radar and forecast Weather radar vs. weather forecast Weather radar and weather forecasts serve different purposes. Radar is mainly used to show current or very recent conditions, especially precipitation. A forecast, on the other hand, uses weather models and observations to estimate what conditions may be like in the future. For short-term decisions, radar can be particularly useful because it shows where precipitation is actually occurring. For planning several hours or days ahead, a forecast is usually more appropriate. Best for viewing current precipitation and following short-term changes. Weather Forecast Best for planning future conditions over the coming hours or days. Use both together

Radar shows what is happening now, while forecasts help estimate what may happen next. For future conditions, visit our Weather Forecast page. For another independent view of current radar conditions, you can also visit Weather-Radar24.com . Understanding the data How accurate is weather radar? Weather radar is an important observation tool, but it is not perfect. Radar coverage, distance from radar stations, terrain and atmospheric conditions can all affect what is displayed. Mountains and other terrain features can block or weaken radar signals. At greater distances from a radar station, the radar beam also travels higher above the ground, which means some low-level precipitation may not be detected as clearly. Radar images may also show echoes that do not correspond directly to precipitation reaching the ground. For this reason, radar should be used together with forecasts, local observations and official weather warnings when conditions are important for safety. Live maps are excellent for understanding the general location and movement of weather systems, but they should not be interpreted as a guarantee of exact conditions at one specific street or address. When is live weather radar useful? A live radar map can be useful in many everyday situations because it provides a quick visual overview of changing weather. Check whether rain or storms are affecting your route before setting off. Outdoor activities Use radar to monitor approaching showers before hiking, cycling or attending outdoor events. See whether precipitation is nearby before commuting, shopping or spending time outdoors. Radar can provide a quick overview of rainfall patterns that may affect field work and local conditions. Weather radar information is relevant to understanding broader weather conditions affecting aviation. Marine activities Changing weather and storm systems can also be important when planning activities on or near the water. More live weather maps Use our other weather tools to explore specific conditions in more detail. Follow current precipitation, showers and rainfall conditions. View Rain Radar → Explore cloud cover and changing cloud formations. View Cloud Radar → Monitor wind direction, speed and global wind patterns. View Wind Radar → Explore current temperatures and regional temperature differences. View Temperature → Follow high and low pressure systems across the globe. View Air Pressure → Weather Forecast Explore upcoming weather conditions and forecast information. View Forecast → Weather radar FAQ Weather radar is primarily used to display precipitation and developing weather systems. It can help you see where rain or snow is occurring and how precipitation areas are moving. The interactive map displays current or very recent weather information. Exact update intervals depend on the underlying data and map provider. Yes. You can move around the interactive map and zoom in or out to explore weather conditions in different regions. Radar primarily shows current and recent precipitation. Watching the movement of rain areas can help with very short-term interpretation, while a weather forecast is more appropriate for predicting conditions further ahead. Weather radar provides a broader view of current weather and precipitation, while a dedicated rain radar focuses more specifically on rainfall and precipitation activity. Strong precipitation associated with thunderstorms can appear on radar. For more focused severe-weather monitoring, use the Thunderstorm Tracker and follow official weather warnings. Radar measurements can be affected by distance, terrain, atmospheric conditions and the height of the radar beam. Not every radar echo means precipitation is reaching the ground at that exact location. No. The map is useful for monitoring weather conditions, but official warnings and emergency instructions from responsible authorities should always take priority during dangerous weather.