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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Australia Pulse Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Australia’s weather radar network, operated by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), covers most populated areas with 64 Doppler and 25 conventional radars, providing real-time precipitation intensity and movement. This means you can track rain, hail, and storms across the continent directly from the live radar above.
What does the live radar show?
The live radar above displays reflectivity—the strength of signals bouncing off raindrops, hail, or snow—in decibels (dBZ), typically ranging from 10 dBZ (light drizzle) to 60+ dBZ (heavy downpours or hail). Colour-coded from pale green to deep red, it updates every 6 to 10 minutes. For city-specific views, check weather radar melbourne, weather radar sydney, weather radar brisbane, weather radar adelaide, and weather radar gold coast loops on the BOM site.
How to interpret radar data for your location
Radar beams scan at 0.5° to 1° elevation, so signals can be blocked by hills or buildings near the coast. Use the legend on the live map: green indicates light rain (0.5–2 mm/h), yellow moderate (2–10 mm/h), orange heavy (10–50 mm/h), and red severe (>50 mm/h). For detailed forecasts, see our Weather Forecast Australia page.
Why does the radar sometimes show no rain when it’s raining outside?
Radar measures precipitation aloft (1–3 km up). Light drizzle may evaporate before reaching the ground, or the beam may be blocked by nearby hills. Check the BOM Weather Australia page for rain-gauge confirmation.
Can I see weather radar for specific cities like Noosa or Brisbane?
Yes. The BOM provides dedicated loops for weather radar noosa, weather radar brisbane bom, and all capital cities. Use the live radar above and zoom to your area, or visit the BOM’s radar list for tailored views.
What’s the difference between BOM radar and commercial radar apps?
BOM radar is the authoritative, calibrated source for Australia, using Doppler to detect wind direction and intensity. Commercial apps often overlay BOM data with models; for raw accuracy, always refer to weather radar bom data or our Australia weather hub.