BOM Old Site Thrives: Users Flock for Trusted Weather Radar
In the ever-unpredictable world of Australian weather, where sudden storms can upend daily life, access to accurate weather radar is nothing short of essential. Yet, nearly four months after the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) unveiled its $96.5 million revamped website, a surprising trend has emerged: up to 400,000 users per day are bypassing the shiny new platform in favor of the old site's straightforward weather radar features. This digital divide highlights not just user preferences but the critical role radar plays in forecasting and safety across the continent.
The Persistence of the Old BOM Website
Launched in October 2025, the new BOM website promised enhanced security, better accessibility, and modern features to serve Australia's diverse needs—from urban commuters to remote farmers. However, criticism has been swift and unrelenting. Users, particularly those reliant on real-time weather radar for decision-making, complain that the new interface feels clunky, slower to load, and less intuitive. "It's like they've overcomplicated something that was already working fine," says Michael Overington, a Victorian farmer who depends on radar updates to manage irrigation and livestock during erratic weather patterns.
The old site, accessible via a slightly altered URL, remains operational as a stopgap while the BOM irons out kinks. According to BOM CEO Stuart Minchin, during a recent Senate Environment and Communications Committee hearing, the legacy platform peaks at 400,000 daily visitors— a fraction of the 6 million using the BOM mobile app or 2 million on the new site, but significant enough to raise eyebrows. "It's a small sector, but we hear their feedback loud and clear," Minchin acknowledged, emphasizing that the old site's outdated security couldn't be ignored long-term.
Why Weather Radar Matters in Australia
Weather radar is the backbone of modern meteorology, using radio waves to detect precipitation, wind patterns, and storm movements. In Australia, where climates range from arid deserts to tropical cyclones, BOM's radar network—comprising over 60 sites—provides vital data for everything from bushfire warnings to flood alerts. The radar maps offered on the BOM site allow users to zoom into localized views, tracking rain cells that could evolve into severe weather events.
For rural communities, like Overington's in Victoria, radar isn't optional; it's a lifeline. "I check the radar multiple times a day," he explains. "The old site loads in seconds, showing clear loops of approaching fronts. The new one? It lags, and I've missed updates that could have saved my crops." This sentiment echoes across forums and social media, where #SaveOldBOM trends alongside complaints about the revamp's usability.
Costly Upgrades and Ongoing Criticism
The BOM's investment in the new site has ballooned to $97.65 million, including $1.15 million spent on incremental fixes since November 2025. These updates focused on radar refresh rates and layout tweaks, but they've done little to stem the tide of dissatisfaction. At the Senate hearing, Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson grilled Minchin on the escalating costs: "Has there been any further expenditure?" Minchin confirmed the additional outlay, framing it as standard post-launch adjustments.
Critics argue the rollout was rushed, prioritizing aesthetics over functionality. Accessibility advocates praise the new site's compliance with WCAG standards, making radar data more navigable for those with disabilities. Yet, for tech-savvy users accustomed to the old site's no-frills radar animations, the changes feel like a step backward. Data from BOM analytics shows that radar queries account for a significant portion of old-site traffic, underscoring how central this tool is to user engagement.
User Stories: From Farmers to City Dwellers
Beyond agriculture, the old site's popularity spans demographics. In Sydney, commuters use it to dodge thunderstorm delays on trains, while Queensland residents monitor cyclone paths. One anonymous user on Reddit shared: "The new site's radar is buried under menus. The old one? Straight to the map—no fuss." This simplicity resonates in a country where internet speeds vary wildly, especially in regional areas.
Minchin defends the app as the preferred gateway, boasting 6 million daily users who access radar seamlessly on mobile. However, not everyone has the luxury of app downloads; older devices or spotty connections make the web version indispensable. The BOM's decision to keep the old site alive buys time, but it also begs the question: How long can this dual-system persist before security risks mount?
Future Plans: Bridging the Gap with Radar Enhancements
Looking ahead, the BOM has outlined a six-month roadmap for the new site, targeting radar-specific improvements like faster image rendering and customizable views. "We're committed to addressing these concerns," Minchin stated, promising community input through surveys and beta testing. By mid-2026, the agency aims to consolidate traffic onto the updated platform, potentially phasing out the old URL.
Experts suggest integrating AI-driven radar predictions to enhance both sites, offering proactive alerts for severe weather. In the interim, the old site's endurance serves as a reminder of the human element in tech adoption. As Australia braces for another wet season, reliable weather radar access—whether old-school or new—remains paramount for safety and preparedness.
This saga isn't just about websites; it's a snapshot of how digital tools must evolve to meet real-world demands. For now, the old BOM site stands as a beacon for those who value function over form in tracking the skies.
