Is It Going to Rain Today in London?
According to the Met Office, rain is expected across the UK today, with cloudy conditions and outbreaks of rain that may be locally heavy early on. Brighter conditions will move in from the west later, accompanied by showers in the south.
For London specifically, the chance of rain today is high. AccuWeather reports a 90% probability of rain, mainly after 9am, with a high of around 62°F. The Met Office rainfall radar is the most reliable tool to track exactly when precipitation will reach your postcode.
Key Insights for Today
- Rain is most likely in western UK (Cardiff, Blackpool) this morning, moving east (London, Croydon) by midday.
- Thunderstorm risk is low today across most of the UK, but isolated showers may produce lightning in the afternoon.
- No major football or outdoor event cancellations have been reported as of this morning.
- The Met Office rainfall radar is the most reliable real-time source for precipitation tracking.
- Windy conditions with coastal gales in the southwest could affect travel and outdoor plans.
- Tonight, rain will move northeastwards across much of the UK, with coastal gales developing in the south.
Snapshot: Key Rain Facts for Today
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| London rain probability | 90% chance of rain today, mainly after 9am |
| Cardiff rain probability | 90% chance, light rain expected from 9am |
| Blackpool forecast | Intermittent rain and showers, windy |
| Met Office radar | Covers 5-day forecast + 48-hour observation |
| Thunder risk | Low today, isolated possible in afternoon |
| Wind | Coastal gales in the southwest |
| Evening rain | Rain spreading northeast overnight |
What Does the Met Office Rainfall Radar Show for the UK Today?
The Met Office provides a UK rainfall radar map that offers real-time weather data, including observations from the last 48 hours and forecasts up to 5 days. This tool is the most authoritative source for checking whether rain is approaching your area right now.
According to the Met Office, its maps and charts show precipitation and rainfall rates across the UK. The weather app also includes interactive weather maps, rainfall radar, and severe weather warnings. You can access the live radar directly via the Met Office UK rainfall radar map.
The radar map displays current precipitation intensity. Green areas indicate light rain, yellow and orange show moderate to heavy rain, and red signals very heavy downpours. Use the time slider to see how the rain band is moving over the next few hours.
Other live radar sources include Netweather, which updates every 5 minutes, and AccuWeather UK radar, which shows rain, snow, and ice. The Met Office app is also available on Android and iOS for on-the-go checking.
Is It Going to Rain in Cardiff, Blackpool, Leeds, or Derby Today?
Cardiff
Cardiff has a 90% chance of rain today, with light rain expected from 9am. The Met Office forecast for Cardiff confirms cloudy conditions with outbreaks of rain. Check the Met Office Cardiff weather page for hourly detail.
Blackpool
BBC Weather reports that Blackpool will be windy and unsettled with spells of intermittent rain and scattered showers through the day. The full forecast is available on BBC Weather Blackpool.
Leeds
Leeds is expected to see rain moving in later this morning, with showers continuing into the afternoon. The Met Office rainfall radar is the best way to track the exact arrival time.
Derby
Derby will likely experience rain by midday, with cloudy conditions persisting through the afternoon. No severe weather warnings are currently in effect for the area.
If you need rain forecasts for London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast, the Weather & Radar website lists all four cities on its UK weather page. For real-time precipitation, always cross-reference with the Met Office radar.
Will It Thunder Today and Could Weather Cancel Events?
Thunderstorm risk today is low across most of the UK. However, isolated showers in the afternoon may produce lightning, especially in southern areas where instability in the atmosphere is slightly higher. The Met Office notes that thunder forecasts are less certain than rain forecasts, so hourly updates should be checked for lightning risk.
Regarding event cancellations, no major football games or outdoor events have been reported as cancelled due to weather today. That said, the wet and windy conditions, including coastal gales in the southwest, could affect transport and outdoor plans. Always verify cancellations directly with local organisers or event websites.
Event cancellations are confirmed by local organisers, not weather services. If you have outdoor plans, contact the venue or check official social media channels. The Met Office does not issue cancellation notices.
Today’s Rain Timeline (UK-Wide)
- 6am – 9am: Rain in western UK (Cardiff, Blackpool).
- 9am – 12pm: Rain spreads east, London and Croydon see outbreaks.
- 12pm – 3pm: Sunny spells and showers develop, isolated thunder possible.
- 3pm – 6pm: Cloudy with further showers, easing in west.
- 6pm – 9pm: Rain and drizzle late in London, clearing elsewhere.
- Tonight: Rain moving northeastwards across much of the UK, coastal gales developing in the south.
How Certain Is the Rain Forecast Today?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Rain is highly likely in London (90% chance) | Exact timing for individual postcodes may vary |
| Met Office radar shows live precipitation patterns | Radar cannot predict street-level rain start times |
| Thunderstorm risk is low today | Isolated lightning cannot be ruled out; hourly updates needed |
| No major event cancellations reported as of this morning | Last-minute cancellations may occur; check local sources |
The Met Office uses probability percentages such as 90% chance of rain. This means rain is highly likely but not guaranteed. For the most accurate picture, combine the probability with the live radar.
What Is Driving Today’s Weather?
Today’s weather is driven by a low-pressure system moving east across the UK. Western areas see rain first, followed by a band of showers moving into London and the southeast by midday. The Met Office rainfall radar is the best tool for tracking this system in real time.
No severe weather warnings are currently in effect, but isolated thunderstorms cannot be ruled out in the afternoon due to instability in the atmosphere. Coastal gales in the southwest may affect ferry services and coastal paths.
What Do Official Sources Say About the Rain?
“Our rainfall radar map shows precipitation and rainfall rates across the UK. Includes forecasts up to 5 days and observations from the last 48 hours.”
— Met Office
“Today will be windy and unsettled with spells of intermittent rain and scattered showers through the day.”
— BBC Weather (Blackpool)
“Breezy with periods of rain. Night: Breezy early; partly cloudy.”
— AccuWeather (London)
For live radar and city-specific forecasts, the Met Office UK rainfall radar map remains the most authoritative source. BBC Weather and AccuWeather provide complementary hourly breakdowns.
Summary: What You Need to Know About Rain Today
Rain is expected across most of the UK today, starting in the west and moving east by midday. London has a 90% chance of rain. Thunderstorm risk is low, and no major event cancellations have been reported. For real-time updates, check the Met Office UK rainfall radar map. If you are in Cardiff, Blackpool, Leeds, or Derby, rain is likely at different times—see the timeline above. Stay dry and plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it gonna rain today?
Check the Met Office rainfall radar for your location. For London, rain is likely today with a 90% chance. For other UK cities, see the city-specific forecasts above.
Are we due rain today?
Yes, most of the UK is expected to see rain today, with western areas affected first and rain moving east by midday.
What does ‘RainToday’ mean?
RainToday is a common search term for checking if rain is expected today. Use the Met Office radar or city forecasts above for accurate information.
Will it rain in Derby today?
Derby is likely to see rain by midday, with cloudy conditions continuing into the afternoon. Check the live radar for precise timing.
Will it rain in Leeds today?
Leeds should expect rain moving in later this morning, with showers in the afternoon. Use the Met Office radar to track the band.
Is there a live radar for the UK?
Yes, the Met Office provides a live rainfall radar map with observations from the last 48 hours and forecasts up to 5 days.
Are football games cancelled because of rain today?
No major football cancellations have been reported today. Wet and windy conditions could affect local matches; check with your club.
What is the chance of rain in Cardiff today?
Cardiff has a 90% chance of rain, with light rain expected from 9am. See the Met Office Cardiff page for details.
Will it thunder today near me?
Thunderstorm risk is low across the UK today. Isolated afternoon showers could produce lightning in the south. Check hourly updates.
How accurate is the Met Office rain forecast?
Met Office probability percentages (e.g., 90%) indicate high likelihood but not certainty. The live radar provides the most up-to-date picture.
Margaret Ellison is Editor-in-Chief at RegionalReport.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards and publication decisions. She writes occasional leader columns and major regional news stories.