Ballina sits on Australia’s subtropical east coast, where La Nina years can bring extended, severe rainfall and flooding, most dramatically during the catastrophic 2022 floods that devastated this stretch of coast.
On the Richmond River in northern NSW, the city was heavily affected by the same 2022 flood event that devastated nearby Lismore. Ex-tropical cyclones and slow-moving coastal low-pressure systems (sometimes called east coast lows) can both stall over the region and produce rainfall totals well beyond what typical storms bring, making radar tracking of these systems especially important for anticipating fast-rising rivers. Learn more: Flash Flood Warning Signs on Radar · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Ballina right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Ballina, New South Wales in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Ballina, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Ballina rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Ballina?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over New South Wales are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Ballina or pass by.
Is this Ballina rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.