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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Aussie Insightly Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
Wardell today is seeing conditions typical of a Richmond River valley town – the live forecast above shows the next few hours, with showers likely moving in from the coast. Lying between Ballina and Lismore, Wardell’s weather often mirrors the broader Northern Rivers pattern, where sea breezes and river fog can change the feel quickly.
What’s driving Wardell’s weather right now?
A weak trough sitting over the Northern Rivers is drawing moisture off the Tasman Sea. This means patchy rain, especially near the coast, and the chance of an afternoon thunderstorm. The Wardell weather radar at Grafton (tertiary) shows bands of light showers drifting west, so keep an eye on the live loop if you’re planning outdoor work.
How does the Richmond River affect local conditions?
Wardell sits right on the Richmond, so tidal flows and river levels are part of daily life. The wardell tides table shows a high around midday, which can push water up onto low-lying floodplains if heavy rain coincides. For broader context, Ballina weather tends to be a few degrees cooler with more sea fog, while Lismore weather often runs a couple of degrees warmer inland.
Does Wardell get flooded often?
Yes – the Richmond River floods several times a decade. Wardell’s levee offers some protection, but heavy rain in the Lismore catchment can still cause river rises. Always check the Bureau’s flood warnings during wet spells.
Where can I check Wardell weather radar?
The nearest operational radar is at Grafton (tertiary), but it’s best used with the BOM’s Northern Rivers rainfall map. For real-time detail, the Weatherzone radar loop also covers the Ballina and Wardell area.
How does Wardell rainfall compare to Ballina?
Wardell typically gets about 10–15% less annual rain than Ballina, because the coast squeezes out more moisture. But during east-coast lows, both towns can see similar totals. Monthly wardell rainfall data is available from BOM’s Wardell (Richmond River) gauge.
Sources
For broader coverage, see our Australia weather hub or check Brisbane Weather for south‑east Qld patterns that sometimes push into Wardell. If storms fire up, our Severe Weather Warning page has the latest alerts.