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Weather satellite data are a vital part of the analysis process. Australian meteorologists focus on hourly images from the Meteorological Satellite operating in geostationary orbit 36,500 kilometres over the equator. Computer enhancement adds colour for easier interpretation. The animated sequences often shown on television are a particularly powerful analysis tool.

RADAR stands for Radio Detecting And Ranging and as indicated by the name, it is based on the use of radio waves. Radars send out electromagnetic waves similar to wireless computer networks and mobile phones. The signals are sent out as short pulses which may be reflected by objects in their path, in part reflecting back to the radar. When these pulses intercept precipitation, part of the energy is scattered back to the radar.

Its dominant features are the smooth, curving patterns of sea level isobars -- lines of equal atmospheric pressure -- which show the central elements of our weather systems: highs, lows (including tropical cyclones) and cold fronts. It incorporates the effects of atmospheric processes at higher levels. Forecast (prognostic) maps are also available. These indicate how the weather patterns are expected to develop.

A broader satellite view of the weather in high definition.