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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Aussie Brief Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Perth’s weather radar (Serpentine) shows rain and storms across the southwest of Western Australia. The live radar above gives you a real-time view of precipitation moving in from the Indian Ocean or over the Darling Scarp. It’s the most practical tool for tracking showers, thunderstorms and heavy rain approaching the city.
What the Perth radar covers
The radar site at Serpentine, about 50 km southeast of Perth, scans out to 520 km. That range covers the entire Perth metropolitan area, the Wheatbelt and parts of the South West and Goldfields. You can switch between a 128 km zoom for local detail, a 256 km view for the metro region, or the full 512 km sweep. The 128 and 256 km products update every 10 minutes; the 512 km product updates every 6 minutes. For lightning strikes, use the separate lightning radar perth overlay (available on the Bureau of Meteorology’s site) – the rain radar alone does not show lightning.
Tips for using the radar day-to-day
Check the radar loop (press play on the live radar above) to see how rain bands are moving. A 30–60 minute loop gives you enough lead time to decide whether to head out or stay put. On clear days the radar may show false echoes from birds or insects – ignore small speckles. For the most reliable picture, compare the radar with the BOM’s forecast rain charts. If you need a quick look without the full site, perth weather radar weatherzone also provides a clean mobile-friendly display.
How often does the Perth radar update?
The 128 km and 256 km products update every 10 minutes. The 520 km product updates every 6 minutes. Delays can occur during maintenance or major storms.
What do the colours on the radar mean?
Light blue and green show light rain or drizzle. Yellow and orange indicate moderate rain. Red and purple signal heavy rain or hail. The scale is in dBZ – higher numbers mean heavier precipitation.
Can I see lightning on the Perth radar?
No. The rain radar itself does not detect lightning. Use the BOM’s lightning tracker or the lightning overlay on perth radar 512 tracker live services to see strikes.
For the full Perth forecast and seven-day outlook, see the Perth Weather page. For other regions, check the Australia weather hub.