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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Australian News Desk Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
A weather radar, as used by the Bureau of Meteorology, is a specialised sensor that sends out pulses of microwave energy to detect rain, hail and snow in the atmosphere. The live radar above shows real-time precipitation intensity across Australia, helping you track incoming storms and showers for your exact location.
How does the live radar work?
The image you see above updates every 6 to 10 minutes, using data from BOM’s network of Doppler radars. Colours on the display indicate rainfall intensity: light blues for drizzle, greens for moderate rain, and yellows through reds for heavy downpours or hail. You can pan the map to check weather radar Melbourne, weather radar Sydney or any other capital city, including weather radar Brisbane and weather radar Adelaide.
Which cities have the best radar coverage?
Major population centres are well covered. Weather radar Brisbane BOM data comes from the Mount Stapylton site, while weather radar Gold Coast is served by the same network. For coastal travellers, weather radar Noosa falls under the Maroochydore radar. Regional gaps exist in remote areas, but the live radar above gives you the best available picture. For a full seven-day outlook, see our Weather Forecast Australia page.
Can I see past radar loops?
Yes. Most radar viewers, including the live map above, offer a loop function showing the last 60 to 90 minutes of movement. This helps you judge whether a storm is approaching or clearing your area.
What causes false echoes on radar?
Birds, bats, insects and atmospheric interference can produce false returns, especially near sunrise and sunset. The BOM filters out most of these, but you may occasionally see speckled patches that don’t represent rain.
Is the radar accurate for my exact street?
Radar measures precipitation aloft, not at ground level. Light rain may evaporate before reaching you, or heavy showers can develop beneath the radar beam. Always cross-check with local observations and our Weather Today page.