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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.
A weather radar sends out pulses of microwave energy and measures the signal reflected back from rain, hail, or snow. The live radar above shows precipitation intensity across Australia in near real time, updated every 6 to 10 minutes by the Bureau of Meteorology’s national network.
How do I read the live radar above?
Colours on the radar indicate rainfall intensity. Light blues and greens show light drizzle; yellow and orange mean moderate rain; red and purple signal heavy downpours or hail. Check the colour scale on the radar image. For major cities such as weather radar melbourne, weather radar sydney, weather radar brisbane, weather radar adelaide and weather radar gold coast, the local radar is often the quickest way to see what is heading your way. Use the zoom and replay features on the live radar to watch how storms move over the last hour.
Where do Australian radar images come from?
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) operates over 60 radars around the country. Weather radar brisbane bom and other city-specific feeds are part of this network. The weather radar bom network covers most populated areas, though gaps exist in remote regions. For coastal spots like weather radar noosa, the closest BOM radar (often Marburg or Gympie) provides coverage with some limitations due to terrain.
How accurate is weather radar?
Radar is very reliable for detecting rain and hail within its range, but accuracy drops beyond 150 km. Ground clutter, insects, and hills can cause false echoes. Always cross-check with BOM weather observations.
Can weather radar show snow?
Yes, radar detects snowflakes and graupel, though the signal is weaker than for rain. The live radar above uses the same reflectivity scale, so snowy areas may appear as light or moderate precipitation.
Why does the radar sometimes show no data?
Radars undergo routine maintenance and can go offline during severe storms. Interference from wind farms or nearby mountains also creates blank sectors. Check the BOM radar status page for current outages.
For a broader look at conditions, see Australia weather hub or check today’s weather and the forecast. Always stay aware of severe weather warnings when heavy rain is expected.