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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Australian Insight Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Check the live radar above for real-time precipitation across the Brisbane Valley, then read on for how the Marburg radar station tracks storms, showers and clear-air returns for south-east Queensland travellers.
What does the Marburg weather radar show?
The Marburg radar (station ID: IDR663) is a 5.6 cm S-band Doppler unit operated by the Bureau of Meteorology. It provides a 512 km loop for broad weather patterns and a 256 km loop for finer detail, plus a 64 km zoom for localised rain and storm cells. The radar sits on a ridge west of Ipswich, giving excellent coverage of the Brisbane Valley, Lockyer Valley and the Scenic Rim. For travellers, it is the go-to tool for gauging whether a south-east Queensland road trip or outdoor plan will be hit by afternoon summer storms or winter drizzle.
When is the best time to use the Marburg radar?
Summer afternoons (November to March) are peak thunderstorm season, so check the 256 km loop around midday for developing cells. Winter mornings often show false echoes from stable air layers, so the 64 km range is more reliable for actual rain. If you are driving the Warrego Highway or heading to the Granite Belt, the Marburg radar is your best early-warning tool before conditions reach the severe weather warning threshold.
How do I read the Marburg radar 512 km loop?
The 512 km loop shows large-scale weather systems moving across south-east Queensland. Use it to track approaching troughs or coastal lows, but note that returns beyond 200 km may be less accurate due to the radar beam’s curvature.
Is the Marburg radar the same as the Brisbane radar?
No. The Marburg radar is the primary radar for the Brisbane region, replacing the older Mt Stapylton site. It offers better coverage of the western suburbs and the Lockyer Valley, while the Brisbane Airport radar is a smaller terminal Doppler for aviation.
Why does the Marburg radar show false echoes in winter?
In winter, temperature inversions can bend the radar beam toward the ground, picking up birds, insects or dust. This is common on clear mornings. Check the 64 km range and compare with Brisbane Weather observations for confirmation.