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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Southern Pulse Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Weather symbols are the small icons on forecasts that represent current or predicted conditions — a sun for clear skies, a cloud for overcast, raindrops for showers. The live forecast above uses these symbols to give you a quick visual read of what to expect today.
What do the most common weather symbols mean?
The Bureau of Meteorology and most weather apps use a standardised set of symbols. A solid yellow sun means fine weather with no cloud. A sun partly hidden behind a cloud indicates partly cloudy conditions. A cloud with a single raindrop means light showers; two or three drops mean moderate rain. A cloud with a lightning bolt signals thunderstorms. A snowflake symbol means snow is forecast. Wind symbols show direction and strength — a line with short barbs points where the wind is coming from.
How do I read weather symbols on my phone or app?
On a weather app, symbols often appear in a row for the next few days. Tap a symbol to see the detailed forecast — temperature, rainfall chance, and wind. The weather symbols chart on most apps uses colour: blue for rain, grey for cloud, yellow for sun. For a weather symbols with meaning guide, check the app’s help menu. If you see a crescent moon symbol, that means clear overnight skies. A cloud with a horizontal line means fog.
What about symbols for severe weather?
A red or orange triangle with an exclamation mark is the standard warning symbol for severe weather — such as damaging winds, heavy rain, or a heatwave. This is not a forecast symbol; it is an alert. For current warnings, see our severe weather warning page. Always check the live forecast above and the Bureau of Meteorology’s site for the latest.
What do the symbols on my iPhone weather app mean?
Apple’s Weather app uses standard icons: a sun for clear, a cloud for overcast, and raindrops for precipitation. A small moon icon appears for night forecasts. Tap the symbol for a text description.
Are weather symbols the same in every country?
Most countries follow World Meteorological Organization guidelines, so symbols are very similar. The Bureau of Meteorology uses its own style, but the meaning — sun, cloud, rain — is consistent. Check a local weather symbols chart if you are travelling.
Can I use weather symbols to teach kids about the weather?
Yes. Start with five simple ones: sun, cloud, rain, snow, and wind. Draw them together and match each to the day’s conditions. This helps children link the icon to what they see outside. See our Australia weather hub for more resources.