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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Oz Insight Lab Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
The live radar above shows real-time rain and hail across Australia, updated every six minutes from the Bureau of Meteorology’s national network. It is the single most reliable tool for checking whether wet weather is heading your way, whether you are planning a beach day on the Gold Coast or a drive through Melbourne’s suburbs.
How do I use the weather radar to plan my day?
Look at the colour scale: light green indicates drizzle, while yellow and red show moderate to heavy rain moving in. The radar loop (press play on the live radar above) reveals the direction and speed of approaching systems. For Sydney or Brisbane, a 30-minute loop is usually enough to decide when to leave for work or when to postpone that outdoor barbecue.
Which radar sites cover my area?
BOM operates more than 60 radar stations across Australia. The live radar above defaults to a national view, but you can zoom to your capital city or region. Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast each have dedicated radars with high-resolution coverage. For coastal spots like Noosa, the Brisbane radar (BOM’s Marburg or Mt Stapylton site) provides the best read of approaching showers.
Does the radar show rain that will hit me in the next hour?
Yes, with good accuracy for the next 30–60 minutes. Check the loop direction on the live radar above. For longer forecasts, combine radar with BOM’s official outlook on our Weather Forecast Australia page.
Why does the radar sometimes show rain that never falls?
Radar detects water droplets in the air, but some showers evaporate before reaching the ground. This is common in dry inland areas or during summer heatwaves. Always cross-check with local observations on the Weather Today page.
Can I see weather radar for cities like Melbourne or Brisbane?
Absolutely. The live radar above can be switched to city-specific views. For Melbourne, select the “Melbourne” overlay; for Brisbane, choose the Brisbane radar. BOM’s own site also offers dedicated BOM Weather Australia radar loops for every capital.