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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Reef Brief Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
The live radar above shows current rainfall across Queensland, updated every six minutes from the Bureau of Meteorology’s network. For a detailed view of Brisbane and southeast Queensland, the Stapylton radar provides a 128 km and 256 km loop, ideal for tracking storms and rainbands.
How do I use the Queensland weather radar?
The live radar above displays precipitation intensity—blue for light rain, yellow for moderate, and red for heavy downpours. The 256 km loop shows larger weather patterns moving across the state, while the 128 km mode gives finer detail around Brisbane. For cyclone tracking, switch to the broadest range and note the storm’s rotation on the loop. Combine radar with live satellite imagery to see cloud bands and fronts approaching from the Coral Sea or Gulf.
Where are the main radar sites in Queensland?
The Bureau of Meteorology operates several radars across QLD. Key sites include Stapylton (serving Brisbane and the Gold Coast), Mount Stapylton (often the default for southeast QLD), Marburg, Gympie, and Townsville. Each radar covers a radius of up to 256 km, but terrain and distance can cause gaps. For a complete picture, check the Brisbane weather page and the Australia weather hub for regional updates.
Why does the live radar sometimes show no data?
Radars can go offline for maintenance or due to weather interference. If the screen is blank, wait a few minutes for the next scan. Also check the BOM radar status page for known outages.
Can the radar predict rain for tomorrow?
No, radar shows what’s happening now, not future conditions. For a forecast, use the BOM’s 7-day outlook or the severe weather warning page. The 256 km loop can show approaching systems up to an hour ahead.
What is the difference between the 128 km and 256 km radar?
The 128 km mode uses a narrower beam for higher resolution, ideal for spotting localised storms. The 256 km loop covers a wider area but with less detail, better for seeing large weather patterns and cyclone structure.