Home › Weather › Weather Radar
Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Aussie Focus Hub Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
The live radar above shows real-time rain and cloud cover across Australia, updated every 10 minutes from Bureau of Meteorology stations. It is the most reliable tool for checking if rain is approaching your location right now.
How to use the live radar to check approaching rain
Look for dark green, yellow or red patches moving across the map. Green indicates light rain, yellow is moderate, and red signals heavy rain or possible storms. The radar updates every 6 to 10 minutes, so you can track whether a front is heading towards your city, whether you are checking weather radar Sydney or weather radar Melbourne.
- Use the animation controls (play/pause) to see movement over the past hour.
- Tap or click your town to centre the view – works for weather radar Brisbane, weather radar Adelaide and weather radar Gold Coast.
- Switch between reflectivity (rain intensity) and Doppler wind layers for storm details.
- Note that radar can overestimate light drizzle; always cross-check with BOM Weather Australia for official warnings.
Which radar site should I select for my area?
Each capital city has a dedicated radar. Choose the station closest to you for the most accurate picture – a radar in Sydney cannot see rain over Perth. For example, weather radar Brisbane BOM uses the Mt Stapylton station, while weather radar Noosa relies on the Gympie or Maroochydore radars. For weather radar BOM data specifically, the bureau’s network covers all major population centres.
Why does the radar sometimes show rain but it is dry outside?
Radar beams bounce off cloud droplets at higher altitudes. Light rain may evaporate before reaching the ground, especially in dry inland areas. Always check ground reports from your nearest weather station.
How far ahead can the radar predict rain?
Radar is best for nowcasting – identifying rain arriving within the next 30 minutes to 2 hours. For longer forecasts, combine radar with the Weather Forecast Australia page or check Weather Today for daily outlooks.
Is there a difference between BOM radar and other providers?
All Australian weather radars source raw data from the Bureau of Meteorology. Differences appear in how that data is visualised and how often it refreshes. BOM’s own site offers the most detail, while third parties may simplify the display for mobile use.
Sources
Australia weather hub – Weather Tomorrow Australia – Severe Weather Warning