Cardiff sits in Wales, one of the wettest parts of the United Kingdom, where mountainous terrain wrings substantial rainfall out of Atlantic weather systems arriving from the southwest.
The Welsh capital sits where the Taff and Ely rivers meet the Severn Estuary, giving it one of the largest tidal ranges in the world alongside its rainfall risk. The combination of steep valleys and high rainfall totals makes parts of Wales prone to fast river rises, and radar tracking helps distinguish a passing shower from the kind of sustained rain that leads to river flooding. Learn more: Flash Flood Warning Signs on Radar · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Cardiff right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Cardiff, Wales in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Cardiff, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Cardiff 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 Cardiff?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Wales are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Cardiff or pass by.
Is this Cardiff 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.