Edinburgh sits in Scotland, which generally receives more rainfall than England, especially on its western side, where mountains force moisture out of Atlantic weather systems throughout the year.
The Scottish capital sits near the Firth of Forth, where its flood risk includes both rainfall in the surrounding hills and tidal effects on the Forth. Steep glens and fast-flowing rivers mean heavy rain can raise water levels quickly in parts of Scotland, and radar is a key tool the Met Office and Scottish Environment Protection Agency use to track incoming Atlantic systems. Learn more: Flash Flood Warning Signs on Radar · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Edinburgh right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Edinburgh, Scotland in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Edinburgh, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Scotland are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Edinburgh or pass by.
Is this Edinburgh 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.