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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Coast Current Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Use the live radar above to watch rain and storms move in near-real time. A weather radar loop is a sequence of radar images played in succession, showing the direction and intensity of precipitation over the past hour or two.
How does a weather radar loop work?
Radar stations emit pulses of microwave energy that bounce off raindrops, hail or snow. The returned signal is converted into a coloured map – blues for light rain, reds for heavy. By stitching together scans taken every 6 to 10 minutes, the loop reveals whether a system is strengthening, weakening or moving towards you. The Bureau of Meteorology operates networks such as the BOM radar Brisbane 256 loop (using the Stapylton radar) and 512 radar Melbourne today for broader coverage.
What can you see on the radar loop?
Look for bands of colour moving across the map. A melbourne weather radar 256 km loop covers most of Victoria, while the 64 km radar Melbourne today provides finer detail around the city. The live radar above includes both range options; switch between them to match your location. For vic weather radar live updates, the loop also shows storm cells and possible severe weather, giving you time to check the latest warnings.
Why does the radar loop sometimes show gaps or speckles?
Gaps can occur when a storm is too far from the radar or when the beam is blocked by hills. Speckles are often ground clutter – buildings or trees reflecting the signal – and are filtered out in cleaner loops.
How do I read the movement on a melbourne weather radar loop?
Watch the leading edge of coloured areas. If you see a line of reds moving east, expect heavy rain in that direction. The loop’s speed can be adjusted on the live radar above to see motion more clearly.
Is the radar loop the same as a forecast?
No – it shows what has already happened. Use it to nowcast (predict the next 30–60 minutes) by extrapolating movement, but always check the official forecast for longer outlooks.
Sources
For more detail on your region, visit our Australia weather hub or check the Melbourne weather page for local radar settings and warnings.