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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 rain and storms moving across NSW right now. The Bureau of Meteorology’s network of 12 Doppler radars provides real-time coverage from the coast to the ranges, updated every six minutes.
Where do the radar images come from?
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) operates a network of weather radars across NSW, including key sites at Sydney (Terrey Hills), Newcastle, Wollongong, Canberra, and regional centres such as Moree, Grafton and Wagga Wagga. Each radar sends out a pulse of energy and measures the time it takes for that pulse to bounce back from rain, hail or snow. The result is a live map of precipitation intensity—from light showers to heavy storms. For a wider view, you can also overlay satellite images to see cloud bands approaching from inland or the Tasman Sea.
How do I use the radar for tomorrow’s forecast?
The live radar shows what is happening now, but you can also check the BoM’s four-hour rainfall forecast loop to see where rain is headed. Combine the radar with the official severe weather warning page if you see dark red or purple returns, which often indicate heavy rain, large hail or damaging winds. For local forecasts, refer to our city pages for Sydney, Newcastle or Wollongong.
How long does it take for the radar image to appear?
Most BoM radars in NSW update every six minutes. The image you see on the live radar above is usually less than two minutes old after the scan completes.
What do the colours on the radar mean?
Light green shows light rain, yellow is moderate rain, orange is heavy rain, and red or purple indicates very heavy rain, hail or strong updrafts. Use this to judge storm intensity.
Can I see radar for tomorrow?
No radar shows the future. For tomorrow’s rain outlook, check the BoM’s four-hour rainfall forecast or our NSW weather hub for the latest model data.
For more detailed information, visit our Australia weather hub, Sydney Weather page, or check Severe Weather Warning updates. Use bom radar nsw live satellite to track storms as they develop, or search for weather radar nsw live to see current conditions. For planning ahead, look up weather radar nsw tomorrow on our forecast pages.