Basel sits where Switzerland, France, and Germany meet along the Rhine river, and receives around 840 mm (about 33 inches) of rain a year, fairly evenly distributed across the seasons with a summer peak from convective storms. As a major Rhine port city, it monitors both routine rainfall and the river’s broader flow, since sustained heavy rain across the wider upstream watershed in Switzerland, France, and Germany can raise river levels significantly over several days. Short, intense summer storms are a separate, faster-moving hazard capable of localized flash flooding. Because these two risks unfold on very different timescales, radar is most useful for the faster local storms. MeteoSwiss operates the national radar network.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Basel right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Basel, Basel-Stadt in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Basel, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Basel 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 Basel?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Basel-Stadt are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Basel or pass by.
Is this Basel 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.