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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Oz Briefly Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
A rain radar map shows real‑time precipitation intensity, with updated scans every 6–10 minutes. The live forecast above indicates where rain is falling now. In Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology operates a network of Doppler radars covering most populated areas, giving you a clear picture of approaching showers or storms.
What do the colours on a rain radar mean?
Radar returns are colour‑coded by intensity: light blue or green indicates drizzle or light rain (0.5–2 mm/h), yellow and orange signal moderate to heavy rain (4–10 mm/h), and red or magenta marks very heavy rain or hail (above 10 mm/h). Grey areas show no detectable precipitation. The scale is shown beside the map so you can judge the likely ground impact.
Which Australian radar views should I check?
For a broad view, the 256 km or 128 km range is best. In Victoria, the melbourne weather radar 256 km and melbourne weather radar 128 km loops show approaching systems from the Great Australian Bight. The 512 radar melbourne today (512 km range) is useful for seeing synoptic‑scale bands, while the bom 64 km radar melbourne today gives fine‑scale detail of local showers. For Brisbane, rain radar brisbane uses the Mt Stapylton radar (128 km) for accurate city‑wide coverage. Across the state, you can view vic weather radar live to track storms in real time.
How is the live radar different from a forecast?
A rain radar shows what is happening now, not what will happen. It uses reflected microwaves to detect raindrops, giving a real‑time snapshot. Forecasts use computer models to predict future rain hours or days ahead.
Why does the radar sometimes show rain that isn’t reaching the ground?
Radar scans high in the atmosphere and can detect virga – rain that evaporates before hitting the ground. Anomalous propagation (bending of the beam) can also create false echoes, especially on clear nights or near mountains.
Can I overlay the radar on a road map?
Yes, many weather sites and apps let you toggle a map layer showing suburbs, highways or terrain. This helps correlate a rain band with your exact location – useful for planning short trips or outdoor activities.
For a broader look at conditions across the country, visit our Australia weather hub or check the Melbourne Weather page for metro‑specific radar loops. You can also see Weather 10 Days to pair today’s radar trends with the outlook.