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Weather Tracker

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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.

A weather tracker gives you live, on-the-ground conditions by combining radar, satellite, and observation data. The live forecast above shows what’s happening now; below we break down how you can use these tools to monitor rain, storms, and temperature across Australia.

How do I use a weather tracker day to day?

Most people check a tracker to decide if they need an umbrella or to plan a road trip. The key is understanding the different data layers.

  • Rainfall radar – The Bureau of Meteorology radar network updates every 6–10 minutes. For a wide view, use the bom radar brisbane 256 loop or bom radar sydney 256 today live to see approaching storms over a 256‑km range.
  • Regional radars – Check the bom sunshine coast radar for SEQ weather or the weather radar central coast NSW for local showers. Victoria residents rely on vic weather radar live for cold fronts and thunderstorms.
  • Broader coverage – The melbourne weather radar 256 km and bom radar australia live national composite give you the full picture when planning a trip.

What data does a tracker show beyond rain?

Modern trackers also pull in temperature, wind, and pressure from automatic stations. Satellite imagery shows cloud patterns and fire hotspots.

Live updatesBOM radars refresh every 6 minutes for the 128‑km range, 10 minutes for 256‑km
Doppler capabilityDetects wind direction and rotation in storms, giving early tornado or gust-front alerts
National networkAustralia has 68 weather radars, covering most populated areas and many regional centres
Rainfall accuracyRadar estimates rainfall to within 1–2 mm for moderate rain; gauge data calibrates the figures
Can I rely on radar for exact rainfall amounts?

Radar gives a good estimate, but rain gauges on the ground are more precise for a single point. Always cross‑check radar loops with nearby automatic weather station readings for your exact location.

What is the difference between 128‑km and 256‑km radar range?

The 128‑km mode gives finer detail (500‑m pixel) and is better for seeing developing storms near a city. The 256‑km mode covers a larger area but with coarser resolution (1‑km pixel), ideal for tracking broad weather systems.

How do I find the radar for my town?

Visit the BOM radar page and click your state. For Queensland, the bom sunshine coast radar covers the north coast; for NSW, the weather radar central coast covers Gosford to Newcastle. Our Australia weather hub has direct links to each region.