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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Oz Monitorly Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
The live forecast above uses standard weather symbols: a sun for clear skies, a cloud with rain drops for showers, and a lightning bolt for thunderstorms. These icons quickly communicate the dominant weather condition for each period, with the symbol’s meaning tied directly to the expected conditions.
What do the common weather symbols mean?
Most Australian weather apps and websites use a consistent set of symbols. A solid yellow sun means mostly clear skies; a sun partly hidden by a cloud indicates partly cloudy conditions. A grey cloud with vertical lines represents rain, while a cloud with a single snowflake signals sleet or snow (rare in most of Australia). A cloud with a lightning bolt means thunderstorms are likely. Wind arrows or bars show wind direction and speed, with each full barb representing 10 knots (about 18.5 km/h).
How do I read weather symbols on my phone or app?
On an iPhone or Android weather app, symbols are usually shown in a row for the next 7–10 days. Tap any symbol to see the detailed forecast, including temperature range, wind speed, and rainfall probability. A weather symbols chart is often available in the app’s settings or help menu. For kids, a simple rule: sun = nice day, cloud = maybe rain, umbrella = definitely rain.
What does a half-sun half-cloud symbol mean?
It means partly cloudy conditions. The sun is still visible but some cloud cover is expected, often with no rain. This is one of the most common weather symbols with meaning in Australian forecasts.
Are weather symbols the same worldwide?
Most countries use similar icons, but colours and details vary. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) uses its own set, while apps like Weatherzone or WillyWeather may use slightly different designs. Always check the weather symbols with names legend in the app.
What do the numbers next to a symbol mean?
They usually show the maximum temperature for that day (in Celsius). Some apps also include a small percentage for rain chance. For example, a cloud with rain and “22°” means a high of 22°C with showers likely.
Sources
For more detail on interpreting symbols in your city, see our Melbourne Weather or Sydney Weather pages. If severe storms are forecast, check the Severe Weather Warning page for symbol-based alerts.