Skip Navigation Accessibility Help Default text size Larger text size High contrast page
Go to Met Office homepage
Weather warning issued - go to UK severe weather warnings
 
bullet  Home  bullet  Learning  bullet  Education  bullet  Weather data  bullet  

Latest satellite imagery


Satellite pictures are an invaluable tool for both teachers and students, and the various types of images that are now widely available can significantly enhance the teaching and understanding of meteorological processes and weather forecasting, especially the movement of weather systems.

Visible satellite image animations

Visible images show reflected sunlight (reflected from the earth or the clouds). In general, the brighter the cloud appears, the thicker it is. Visible images are only available during daylight hours.

Link to European visible satellite image European visible satellite image
Updated hourly
Link to British Isles visible satellite image British Isles visible satellite image
Updated hourly between 0600 and 1900 UTC

Infrared satellite image animations

These are effectively measuring the temperature of the cloud or the Earth's surface. The images are usually prepared in such a way that cold surfaces such as high cloud appear white, and warm surfaces such as low cloud or the Earth's surface appear darker. Infrared images are always available.

Link to European infrared satellite image European infrared satellite image
Updated hourly
Link to British Isles infrared satellite image British Isles infrared satellite image
Updated hourly

How to interpret satellite images

Additional satellite imagery