Home › Weather › Weather Radar Sydney
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.
Check the live radar above for Sydney’s current precipitation, then read on for the key ranges: the 64 km and 128 km loops from Terrey Hills show rain intensity, while the 256 km and 512 km views provide broader storm context. This data-forward guide explains what each setting means for your day.
What do the different radar ranges mean for Sydney?
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Terrey Hills radar (station ID: IDR713) offers four main zoom levels. The 64 km range (sydney radar 64) is best for localised showers within 30 minutes of arrival, showing fine detail over the city and airport. The 128 km loop (128 km radar loop terrey hills sydney) covers the greater metropolitan area and the Blue Mountains, ideal for tracking bands of rain moving east. The 256 km range (bom radar sydney 256 today live) extends to the Central Coast and Illawarra, useful for approaching fronts. The 512 km range (sydney radar 512) gives a state-wide perspective, including storms from the ranges and the coast.
How does the live radar compare to satellite and 24-hour forecasts?
The live radar shows real-time precipitation intensity, while a weather satellite sydney image reveals cloud cover and broader weather systems. For planning, the rain radar sydney next 24 hours combines radar trends with model data—check the loop animation on the live radar above to see if showers are building or clearing. For airport-specific conditions, the weather radar sydney airport feed (derived from the same Terrey Hills data) is updated every 6 minutes.
Why does the radar sometimes show no rain when it’s drizzling?
Light drizzle or very low cloud can be missed if the radar beam overshoots it. The Terrey Hills radar scans at an elevation angle, so shallow showers near the coast may not register until they intensify.
Is the 512 km radar accurate for storms far from Sydney?
At 512 km range, the beam is high and wide, so it’s good for detecting large storm cells but less precise for light rain. For local detail, stick to the 64 km or 128 km loop.
How do I use the radar to avoid getting caught in a storm?
Watch the 128 km loop for movement direction. If rain is tracking east at 30 km/h and is 60 km away, you have about two hours. Combine with the Severe Weather Warning page for alerts.
Sources
For more on New South Wales conditions, visit the Australia weather hub or check Sydney Weather for the full forecast.