Brisbane 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 Brisbane River, the city has a well-documented history of catastrophic river flooding, including the major 2011 and 2022 floods. 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 Brisbane right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Brisbane, Queensland in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Brisbane, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Brisbane 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 Brisbane?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Queensland are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Brisbane or pass by.
Is this Brisbane 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.