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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Coast Monitor Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Check the live radar above for real-time rain and storm tracking across your location. The Bureau of Meteorology’s weather radar network shows where precipitation is falling now, helping you plan ahead without guesswork.
How does the BOM radar work?
The Bureau operates a national network of 64 weather radars, with each site sending out microwave pulses that bounce off raindrops, hail and snow. The returned signal is processed into a live map showing precipitation intensity, colour-coded from light blue (drizzle) through to deep red (heavy rain) and pink (hail). Most sites update every 6–10 minutes, with the 256 km range giving good coverage for major centres like Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Where can I find the best BOM radar for my area?
For the most detailed view, use the 128 km or 256 km loop on the live radar above. The Weather Radar page lets you switch between sites. Key regional radars include:
- bom radar brisbane (Marburg and Stapylton) – covers the southeast, often used for bom radar brisbane 256 loop
- bom radar melbourne – three sites including Laverton and Broadmeadows
- bom sunshine coast radar – at Mount Stapylton, good for bom radar australia live views
Why does the BOM radar sometimes show no rain when it’s raining?
Ground clutter from hills, buildings or nearby trees can mask light precipitation. The radar also has a “cone of silence” directly overhead – so the closest valid data is usually 20–30 km from the site.
Can I use BOM radar to track storms moving towards me?
Yes – use the BOM Weather Australia page and select the 128 km loop for movement direction. Watch for red and pink returns, which indicate heavy rain or hail, then check Severe Weather Warning.
What’s the difference between BOM radar and third-party apps?
BOM provides raw data without smoothing; third-party tools like Weatherzone or Weather Tomorrow may add forecast overlays. For the most accurate live view, stick with the official BOM feed on the live radar above.