RainViewer FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about RainViewer.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is rainviewer?
Rainviewer is an interactive weather radar and rain forecast visualization tool.
How accurate is the data on rainviewer?
The data on rainviewer is updated every 5 minutes and sourced from multiple weather and meteorological agencies, making it one of the most accurate sources for rain forecasts.
Why is the radar not showing any data?
There could be a temporary issue with the radar data source or the radar may be down for maintenance. Please try again after a few minutes.
How do I change the layer on the radar map?
You can change the layer by clicking on the layers icon in the top right corner of the map and selecting the desired layer from the dropdown menu.
Can I see past radar data on rainviewer?
Yes, you can use the time-slider at the bottom of the map to view past radar data up to 24 hours ago.
Why is the map not loading?
This may be due to a slow internet connection or a temporary issue with the website. Please refresh the page or try again later.
How do I zoom in on the map?
You can zoom in and out using the + and - buttons on the bottom left corner of the map or by scrolling with your mouse or trackpad.
What is the legend on the right side of the map?
The legend shows the color coding for different levels of rain intensity.
How can I change the time format on the map?
You can change the time format by clicking on the clock icon at the bottom right corner of the map and selecting your preferred format.
Why am I unable to see the current location on the map?
Please make sure that the location services on your device are enabled and try again.
Can I use rainviewer on my mobile device?
Yes, rainviewer is optimized for mobile use and can be accessed through any web browser.
How do I share a screenshot of the radar map?
You can click on the share icon on the top right corner of the map and select the platform you wish to share it on.
How do I change the language on rainviewer?
You can change the language by clicking on the language icon on the bottom right corner of the map and selecting your desired language from the dropdown menu.
Why is the map not showing my desired location?
The map may not cover certain areas or countries. You can check the coverage map on the rainviewer website to see if your location is included.
What is the buffer time in the time-slider?
The buffer time is the time difference between the latest radar data and the current time. This allows for a more accurate and up-to-date radar display.
Can I use rainviewer for long-term forecasts?
Rainviewer is not designed for long-term forecasts as it only shows the current and past rainfall activity.
How can I report an error or problem with rainviewer?
You can report any errors or problems by clicking on the feedback button on the bottom right corner of the map and filling out the form.
How do I save a location on the map?
You can save a location by clicking on the bookmark icon on the bottom left corner of the map and selecting "Add location."
Why is the map showing a different time zone?
The time on the map is displayed in the local time zone of the location being viewed. You can change the time format to UTC by clicking on the clock icon at the bottom right corner of the map.
Can I use rainviewer for other types of weather data?
Rainviewer specializes in radar and rain forecast data, but you can check out our partner site, Windy, for a wide range of weather data.
How do I clear all saved locations?
You can clear all saved locations by clicking on the bookmark icon on the bottom left corner of the map and selecting "Clear all locations."
Why am I seeing different radar data on different websites?
Different websites may use data from different sources and update at different frequencies, resulting in variations in the radar data displayed.
How often is the radar data updated?
The radar data on rainviewer is updated every 5 minutes.
How can I see the radar data in motion?
You can see the radar data in motion by clicking on the play button on the bottom right corner of the map or by using the time-slider.
Is rainviewer available in other languages?
Yes, rainviewer is available in multiple languages, including English, Russian, French, and Spanish. You can change the language by clicking on the language icon on the bottom right corner of the map.
Why is the radar map not showing any future forecasts?
Rainviewer is designed to show only current and past rain activity, not future forecasts.
How do I switch between different maps on rainviewer?
You can switch between different maps by clicking on the layers icon on the top right corner of the map and selecting your desired map from the dropdown menu.