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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 when planning your day across Queensland — the state’s tropical north, south-east coast and inland regions all see fast-moving storms, and the bom radar australia live feed is the most reliable tool for spotting approaching rain or cyclonic activity.
What does the Queensland weather radar tell you?
The radar image shows rain intensity — green for light showers, yellow and orange for moderate to heavy falls, red for very heavy rain that could cause flash flooding. Use the loop function to see storm movement over the past hour. If you’re watching a south queensland weather radar live view, note that coastal showers can shift quickly with sea breezes, while a north queensland weather radar live feed often picks up tropical thunderstorm lines moving inland.
When should travellers check the radar?
Queensland’s wet season (November to April) brings afternoon storms and the risk of tropical cyclones. If you see weather radar queensland cyclone signatures — distinct spiral bands — check warnings immediately. In the dry season, the radar mainly shows drizzle in the south-east and isolated showers along the north coast. For school‑holiday trips, scanning the qld weather radar loop and lightning tracker (available on some radar products) helps you plan beach or hiking timings.
Does the radar show lightning?
Standard weather radar does not detect lightning directly, but BoM’s radar loop can be overlaid with the Australian Lightning Tracker to see strikes in real time — useful when storms are nearby.
How often is the radar image updated?
Most Queensland radars update every 6 to 10 minutes. The live radar above refreshes automatically, so you’re seeing the most recent available scan for your region.
What does ‘clear air’ mode mean on the radar?
In clear air mode, the radar is sensitive enough to detect dust, smoke and insects — it helps forecasters spot early signs of storm development before any rain reaches the ground.
Sources
For broader coverage, check the Australia weather hub or the dedicated Brisbane Weather page. If storms are forecast, also see Severe Weather Warning updates.