RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an alternative way to receive the latest information released on the Bureau of Meteorology website. RSS can save you time by bringing to your desktop the latest information from your favourite websites, without having to visit each web page individually. When one of the feeds you subscribe to is updated, you will receive an alert on your desktop or mobile device.
RSS feeds do not replace other methods of accessing information, such as the web site and radio broadcasts. RSS feeds merely provide another new way to view existing Bureau of Meteorology information alert users when new information has been issued by the Bureau.
Some examples of why the Bureau provides RSS feeds are as follows:
RSS content can be read by software called an RSS reader or an aggregator. Once you have an RSS reader either:
There are four main methods used to access an RSS feed:
Using an RSS reader installed on your computer
Use a Desktop software tool (known as a reader or aggregator). Subscribe to a feed by entering the feed's URL link into the reader and choosing "subscribe to this feed". The feed properties should be set to update regularly.
Using an RSS enabled web browser (e.g. Firefox, Internet Explorer)
This can be as simple as clicking on one of the RSS icons; however, different browsers handle RSS feeds in different ways. The feed properties should be set to update regularly.
Internet Explorer: after clicking the feed, ensure that you press the "Subscribe to this feed" option.
Once you have subscribed to a feed, the option to View feed properties appears.
Feed properties, such as Update Schedule, can be modified as necessary.
Using a mobile phone based reader
Mobile devices can be used to read RSS feeds by downloading an application designed for viewing such feeds. Some of these are freely available. Once the application is installed on the device, point to the Bureau's RSS feeds as explained above.
Note: To find a free or inexpensive RSS reader search the web for "RSS newsreader". A list is available on Wikipedia - Comparison of feed aggregators.
Email management programs such as Microsoft Outlook can read RSS feeds and deliver them to your inbox.
Navigate to the Bureau’s RSS website (http://www.bom.gov.au/rss/), right click the required RSS link, and select “copy link address”.
In the "Home" tab of Outlook (where you would view your emails), scroll down the left of the screen to the folder named "RSS Feeds".
Right click the folder and select "Add a new RSS feed".
Paste the RSS link in the pop-up window and click “Add”.
A new folder will appear under the RSS Feeds folder. This is where your RSS products will appear.
If you would like these to be sent directly to your inbox, an option is available in Outlook to set up a rule relating specifically to RSS feeds.
The feeds contain the most recent information from the Bureau and links to the appropriate product or page on the Bureau's website. During the initial Beta Testing Period, all warnings which are current at the time will be available.
Each feed contains a description of the information available within.
Each item of the feed contains:
Once the feed is visible in the Web Browser, Reader or Mobile device application, a button or link should be visible to permanently subscribe to the feed. Simply follow the steps outlined in item 3 above.
The feed will have a date and time listed in the headline. With an RSS reader or aggregator, you can set a refresh rate (e.g. hourly, every 15 minutes, daily etc.)
The feed will update as soon as the Bureau of Meteorology changes the content of the feed you are subscribed to. For warnings, this could be at any time.
If you have other questions or wish to provide feedback on the RSS feeds available from the Bureau, please fill in the RSS feedback form and we will take note of your inputs.
© Australian Government 2010, Bureau of Meteorology