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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.
A weather radar detects rain, hail and snow by sending out pulses of radio waves and measuring the echoes that bounce back. The live radar above shows current precipitation across Australia, helping you track approaching storms and plan outdoor activities.
How does weather radar work?
Weather radar emits a microwave signal that travels at the speed of light. When the signal hits a raindrop, hailstone or snowflake, part of it reflects back to the radar dish. The time delay tells the radar how far away the precipitation is, while the strength of the return signal indicates its intensity. Heavier rain produces stronger echoes, shown on the live radar above in brighter colours like red and orange.
What can the live radar tell me?
The live radar above updates every few minutes, giving you near-real-time information on where rain is falling and which direction it is moving. This is especially useful for checking weather radar Melbourne, weather radar Sydney, weather radar Brisbane, weather radar Adelaide and weather radar Gold Coast before heading out. You can also zoom in to see weather radar Noosa or switch to the weather radar BOM feed for official Bureau of Meteorology data.
How accurate is weather radar?
Radar is highly accurate for detecting precipitation location and movement, but it can overestimate or underestimate rainfall amounts. Ground clutter and hills can also cause false echoes.
Why does the radar sometimes show no data?
Radars can go offline for maintenance or during severe weather. The weather radar Brisbane BOM and other sites may also show gaps if the radar beam is blocked by terrain.
Can I see future rain on the radar?
No, radar shows only current precipitation. For a forecast, check our Weather Forecast Australia page or the Weather Tomorrow Australia guide.