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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.
Check the live radar above for current rain and storm activity across your region. Weather radar detects precipitation using microwave pulses, giving you real-time intensity and movement data to plan your day.
How does weather radar work?
Radar emits short pulses of microwave energy that bounce off raindrops, hail or snow. The returning signal – called reflectivity – is measured in dBZ. Higher dBZ values mean heavier precipitation. A typical C-band radar covers a radius of 250 kilometres, updating every 6–10 minutes. S-band radars, used in cyclonic regions, have a longer range but lower resolution.
How to read the radar image
Colours on the live radar above indicate rainfall intensity: light blue/green for light showers (0–2 mm/h), yellow/orange for moderate rain (2–10 mm/h), and red/pink for heavy downpours (>10 mm/h). Movement arrows or loops show the direction and speed of weather systems – useful for weather today planning or checking forecast timing.
Why does radar sometimes show rain that isn’t falling?
Radar can detect insects, dust, birds or atmospheric turbulence (anomalous propagation). Ground clutter near the radar tower also appears as false echoes, especially in clear conditions.
What is the difference between reflectivity and velocity?
Reflectivity shows precipitation intensity. Velocity (Doppler mode) measures how fast raindrops are moving toward or away from the radar, helping forecasters identify rotation in thunderstorms.
Can I check radar for a specific city?
Yes – the live radar above covers major centres including weather radar sydney, weather radar melbourne, weather radar brisbane, weather radar adelaide and weather radar gold coast. For regional areas like weather radar noosa, use the BOM site linked below.