Home › Weather › Melbourne Weather Radar 256 Km
Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Aussie Pulse Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
The Melbourne 256 km weather radar offers a wide-area view of rain and storms across Victoria, reaching from Geelong to the ranges and updating every 10 minutes. This range is ideal for spotting approaching weather systems well before they arrive.
What does the 256 km radar show?
The 256 km scan captures large-scale rain bands, fronts and storm complexes moving across central Victoria. It covers areas such as Geelong, Ballarat and the Yarra Ranges, but trades fine detail for breadth. For localised showers or light drizzle, you will get better resolution from the 64 km or 128 km radars. The live radar above uses the 256 km setting by default; you can switch to shorter ranges for finer detail in your immediate area.
How to use it alongside other radars
For a complete picture, check the Melbourne weather page and toggle between the 64 km, 128 km, and 256 km views. The 256 km radar is best for seeing broad patterns, while the 64 km radar (BOM’s standard for your local suburb) shows individual cells and intensity. If you’re in Geelong, the Geelong weather radar 256 km covers the same wide area but note that the main radar site is near Melbourne Airport. For hourly trends, use the melbourne weather radar 256 km hourly loop on the live display.
What is the difference between the 64 km, 128 km, 256 km and 512 km radars?
The 64 km radar gives the highest resolution for your immediate area, while 128 km covers a broader region. The 256 km radar shows state-wide patterns, and 512 km radar (available on some maps) covers much of Victoria and into NSW. Choose based on how far ahead you want to see.
Does the 256 km radar show rain intensity?
Yes. The live radar above uses colour scales – blue for light rain, green and yellow for moderate, and orange/red for heavy. The 256 km range smooths out small variations, so check the 64 km radar for precise intensity at your location.
How often does the Melbourne 256 km radar update?
It updates every 10 minutes. The melbourne weather radar 256 km today live satellite view combines radar with satellite imagery for a clearer picture of cloud cover and precipitation.