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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Aussie Report Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
For current rain activity, check the live radar above. The Darwin radar shows scattered light to moderate showers (5–15 mm/h) moving west at around 20 km/h, with isolated thunderstorms possible over the Top End this afternoon.
What is the current radar showing?
BOM’s Darwin 512 km radar loop covers the broader Top End, detecting patchy rainfall across the Cobourg Peninsula and inland toward Pine Creek. The 256 km loop offers higher‑resolution detail for the city and immediate suburbs. Look for yellow‑to‑red returns (15–40 mm/h) near the coast – that indicates heavier shower bands embedded in the north‑westerly flow. A one‑line summary: expect a 60% chance of showers, most likely before sunset, with rainfall totals under 5 mm for most suburbs.
How does the Darwin radar work?
The S‑band radar at Berrimah scans out to 512 km every six minutes. Blue colours represent drizzle (<1 mm/h), green is light rain, and red signals heavy downpours. The 256 km mode sharpens detail for the immediate Darwin area. This data feeds directly into Australia weather forecasts and severe‑weather advisories. Current wind‑field data suggests the rain band will clear by late evening.
How often does the Darwin radar update?
The Bureau of Meteorology releases a new scan every six minutes. You can refresh the live radar above to see the latest loop, which typically includes the past hour of imagery.
Is the Darwin radar down right now?
Check for any maintenance notices on BOM’s radar status page. Outages are rare but may occur during routine servicing. The live radar above will show a greyed‑out image if unavailable.
What does the 512 km loop show compared to 256 km?
The 512 km loop gives a broad view including the Tiwi Islands and Kakadu, useful for approaching weather. The 256 km loop zooms into the Darwin urban area and nearby coast, better for localised rain intensity and storm tracking.