Radar Optimum Extent Areas

Radar images on the Bureau's website show rainfall echoes from clouds located between 2500m and 3500m above the ground.

Generally, the optimal coverage area extends to approximately 200km away from the radar. Beyond this distance some rainfall echoes may be displayed on the radar image, however these echoes will be from clouds higher up in the atmosphere and will not directly correspond with conditions experienced on the ground.

Radar coverage can be restricted due to hills or mountains on the horizon and local trees or towers. This dataset shows the optimal coverage of each radar at 10,000ft (3048m) above mean sea level.