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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Oz Reviewly Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
Weather bureau radar is a network of ground-based stations run by the Bureau of Meteorology that detect rain, hail and storms in real time. The live forecast above shows current conditions for Bureau Park; radar tells you what is heading your way within the next hour or two.
How does the weather bureau radar work?
The Bureau operates more than 60 radars across Australia, including key sites like Stapylton (BOM radar Brisbane) and locations covering weather radar Melbourne and Sydney. Each radar sends out a microwave pulse and measures the echo from raindrops. The reflected signal is processed into a coloured map showing rainfall intensity. The standard product for Melbourne is the 256 km range; for a closer view, the 512 radar Melbourne today mode uses a 512 km radius. The data is updated every six to ten minutes, giving you a near-live picture of approaching weather.
Where can I find live radar for my area?
You can access vic weather radar live and BOM radar Australia live directly from the Bureau’s website or through third-party weather services. The most common views are the 256 km and 512 km ranges. For Brisbane, the Stapylton radar covers the south-east; for Melbourne, the radar at Laverton and Mount Lisa provide dual coverage. If you need weather bureau radar Melbourne or weather bureau radar Sydney, check the live feeds on the Bureau’s site or our Australia weather hub. For severe storms, refer to the Severe Weather Warning page.
What does “512 radar” mean?
The “512” refers to the display radius in kilometres. A 512 km radar image covers a larger area but with lower resolution than the standard 256 km view. It is useful for tracking broad storm systems moving into your region.
Why does radar sometimes show false echoes?
False echoes can come from birds, insects, smoke, or interference. The Bureau applies filters to reduce these, but a few remain. Always cross-check with the live forecast above and local observations.
How do I read the colours on a radar map?
Colours indicate rainfall intensity: light green (light rain), yellow (moderate), orange to red (heavy), and pink (very heavy or hail). Dark blue or black areas mean no detectable rain.