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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.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
Check the live forecast above for the latest conditions, then use the Wollongong radar to see where rain is right now. The Bureau of Meteorology’s Wollongong (Appin) radar shows real-time precipitation across the Illawarra, helping you plan the next hour or two.
How does the Wollongong radar work?
The radar at Appin, about 40 kilometres north-west of Wollongong, emits pulses of microwave energy that bounce off raindrops. The returned signal is plotted on a map, showing where rain is falling and how heavy it is. The image updates every 10 minutes, making it useful for tracking showers or storms moving in from the coast or the escarpment.
For a finer view, combine the radar with the bom wollongong weather page, which gives temperature, wind and humidity data. The radar is best used for short-term movement, not for predicting conditions beyond a few hours.
What can the radar tell you about Wollongong weather?
The radar covers a 256-kilometre radius, so it picks up rain systems moving across Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the South Coast. If you see green or yellow patches heading your way, expect rain within 30 to 60 minutes. Red or purple areas indicate heavy falls, possibly with thunderstorms. For hourly trends, check the wollongong weather hourly forecast alongside the radar loop.
Is the Wollongong radar the same as the Sydney radar?
No. The Wollongong (Appin) radar focuses on the Illawarra and South Coast, while Sydney’s radar at Terrey Hills covers the greater Sydney basin. For local detail, use the Appin radar.
Can I see the bom radar wollongong live satellite image?
Yes. The BOM provides a combined radar and satellite loop on its website. The satellite shows cloud cover, while the radar shows actual rain. Together they give a fuller picture of approaching weather.
Why does the radar sometimes show false echoes?
Buildings, hills and even birds can reflect radar signals, creating false returns. The BOM filters these where possible, but you may see faint static patches near the coast or escarpment. Always cross-check with the live forecast above.
Sources
For broader conditions across the region, visit our Australia weather hub, or check the latest Sydney Weather and Severe Weather Warning pages.