Bureau of Meteorology Restores Old Rain Radar After Backlash Over ‘Flawed’ Website

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has reinstated its previous rain radar colour scheme and weather map layout after facing widespread criticism and public confusion over its recently upgraded website.

Acting Chief Executive Peter Stone announced the decision on Friday afternoon, confirming that the changes were implemented immediately following a meeting with state and territory disaster ministers. He said the bureau had “listened to feedback” and acted swiftly to restore the familiar radar visuals while continuing gradual improvements to the website.

“We’ve listened to your feedback, and have restored the previous radar colour scheme,” Stone said. “We will continue to assess options for further updates and improvements while helping the community become more familiar with the new site. So more changes are in the pipeline.”

The backflip comes after a surge of complaints from the public and politicians alike, with Environment Minister Murray Watt demanding an explanation from BOM on how its $4.1 million website upgrade led to such strong backlash. Watt emphasised that the BOM’s online tools were “critical for public safety, particularly during the high-risk weather season,” and must deliver accurate, accessible information.

The controversy began earlier in the week when a severe storm hit south-east Queensland on Sunday, leaving more than 100,000 homes without power. Many residents said they were caught off guard due to confusion caused by the redesigned website.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli called the new design “flawed” and argued that it had failed in its duty to properly prepare the public.


“The changes to the website don’t make sense. Easy access to individual radars has been removed, and the familiar colour scheme has been replaced,” Crisafulli said. “Platitudes from Canberra won’t cut it with Queenslanders.”

The main complaints centred on the updated colour scheme, which had replaced black — previously used to indicate the heaviest rainfall — with orange. Many users said this change made it difficult to interpret weather intensity at a glance.

In response to the outcry, BOM has reverted to its original design while it continues to refine other aspects of the website. The bureau said it remains committed to improving user experience and ensuring the platform provides reliable and easily understood information to the public.