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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.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
Weather watch radar is a live, ground-based system that detects rain, hail and storms in real time, showing you where precipitation is falling and how it is moving. The live forecast above gives the current conditions for Watchem, but radar fills in the gaps between observation sites.
How does weather watch radar actually work?
A radar dish sends out a pulse of microwave energy, which bounces off raindrops, hailstones or snowflakes. The returning signal tells the system how heavy the precipitation is and how far away it is. The result is a colour-coded map that updates every few minutes, giving you a live picture of approaching weather. For example, Melbourne Weather relies heavily on the BOM 64 km radar Melbourne today to track fast-moving fronts across the state.
What can you see on a radar image?
Lighter colours (blues and greens) indicate light rain or drizzle, while yellows, oranges and reds show moderate to heavy rain. Purple or white patches often signal hail or very intense downpours. The radar also shows the direction and speed of movement, so you can estimate when rain will reach your location. For broader coverage, Australia weather hub links to the national network, including bom radar australia live and vic weather radar live feeds.
Frequently asked questions
Is weather watch radar the same as a weather satellite?
No. Radar looks at the lower atmosphere from the ground, detecting actual raindrops. Satellites take pictures from space, showing cloud tops. Radar is better for short-term, localised storm tracking.
Why does the radar sometimes show no rain when it is raining at my house?
This can happen if you are in the “cone of silence” directly under the radar dish, or if the rain is very light and low to the ground. Check a nearby radar site for a clearer picture.
Can I use radar to predict the weather tomorrow?
Radar is best for nowcasting — the next 1 to 3 hours. For longer forecasts, combine radar with satellite images and computer models from sources like weatherzone radar or bom radar brisbane.