Cologne sits on the Rhine river in western Germany and receives around 800 mm (about 31 inches) of rain a year, spread fairly evenly across the seasons. The Rhine has a history of significant flooding during periods of sustained heavy rain across its wider catchment, and the city has adapted with flood walls and barriers along its historic riverside. More localized summer thunderstorms, sometimes severe, are a separate and more sudden hazard, capable of flash flooding streets in a way that has little to do with the river’s water level. Because these two flood risks work on very different timescales, radar is specifically useful for the fast-developing summer storm side of the equation. Germany’s DWD operates the national radar network.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Cologne right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Cologne, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Cologne rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Cologne?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over North Rhine-Westphalia are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Cologne or pass by.
Is this Cologne rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.