Checking rainfall and river conditions across Australia
Map of Australia showing 24 hour rainfall totals to 9am on 11 December 2012 across Australia (dot colour indicates rainfall depth as per the scale)
The website displays the data in many forms including rainfall and river level maps that are updated every 15 minutes, and plots of river levels or hydrographs that are updated every 30 to 60 minutes.
The data comes from the Bureau’s own field stations and from stations operated by more than 20 partner agencies around Australia. The total number of stations displayed now exceeds 4000 and the website is a key source of near-real time flood data for emergency managers and the public. Based on the feedback we have received it is also used by fishermen, kayakers, and primary producers. The website provides the most comprehensive display of rainfall and river level data available in Australia and is a cornerstone of the Bureau’s flood forecasting service.
The Bureau is currently investing in a substantial website enhancement that will enable us to publish flood warning information alongside current river levels and rainfall totals. The design will utilise advanced mapping technology to vastly improve the clarity with which areas affected by, or forecast to be affected by floods can be displayed. Implementation of the enhancement is planned for 2013, so stay tuned.