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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Coast Brief Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Weather radar provides real-time views of rain, hail and storms across Australia, refreshed every six to ten minutes from the Bureau of Meteorology’s network. The live radar above shows current precipitation intensity and movement.
How does the radar work?
Radar beams scan the sky, bouncing off raindrops and hail to map precipitation over a 512-kilometre radius from each site. The data is processed into a colour-coded image that indicates intensity.
- Lighter colours (blue/green) show light rain or drizzle; yellows, oranges and reds indicate heavier rain and potential storms.
- Ground clutter, birds and atmospheric interference can cause false echoes, which forecasters filter where possible.
- Most capital cities have a dedicated radar; regional areas may have lower update frequency.
Where to find city radars
Select your location on the live radar above or use these quick links:
- Weather radar Melbourne – covers the city and surrounds with the Mount Bundoora and Laverton radars.
- Weather radar Sydney – uses Terrey Hills and Wollongong units for the metro area.
- Weather radar Brisbane – Mount Stapylton radar provides coverage for Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
- Weather radar Adelaide – the Sellicks Hill and Buckland Park radars track storms across the region.
- Weather radar Gold Coast – shared with Brisbane radar; localised detail is available from the BoM’s live page.
- Weather radar Noosa – the Maroochydore radar covers the Sunshine Coast and Noosa area.
Why does the radar show rain that isn’t falling?
False echoes can come from birds, insect swarms, wind turbines or atmospheric refraction. The BoM filters these where possible, but small patches of ghost rain sometimes appear – check the loop for movement to confirm.
How accurate is the radar for my exact location?
Radar measures precipitation aloft, so what you see may differ from ground-level rain, especially with virga (rain evaporating before reaching the ground). The live radar above is best used as a guide; local rain gauges give precise totals.
Can I view past radar images?
Yes – the BoM and most third‑party sites offer radar loops of the past hour or more. The live radar above includes a loop control so you can see the direction and speed of approaching weather.
For a broader view of conditions across the country, visit our Australia weather hub or check Weather Tomorrow Australia for outlooks. The live radar above, combined with these sources, gives you the full picture for planning your day.