Bureau of Meteorology’s website redesign divides opinions online with lots of users calling for the old version to come back
The Bureau of Meteorology’s shiny new website has dropped — and it’s already dividing Aussies. Lots are calling for the old version to come back, while some think it’s sleek and simple. Vote in our poll.
The Bureau of Meteorology has unveiled a revamped website — and it’s already causing a storm online.
The update, which went live on Wednesday, has left users divided, with more than 500 comments flooding the BOM’s Facebook page within hours of its launch.
Announcing the redesign, the Bureau wrote it aimed to create “a clearer, more accessible and secure website experience” that would better support Australians “when it matters most.”
“Any existing bookmarks should still work,” the post read.
“Some will take you to the same page on the new site, while others may remain unchanged.”
But not everyone is a fan.
Many users slammed the new look, describing it as “hard to navigate” and “horrific.”
“The page design is terrible,” one person wrote.
“Change for the sake of change — The new site is harder to navigate.
“I prefer the previous interface.”
Another added: “The new site is hard to navigate — bring back the old one! I’ll just have to check other weather sites.”
Still, some welcomed the simpler approach, saying it caters better to a wider range of users.
“It’s actually very, very good,” one commenter wrote.
“Simple – hits the main things you want to know on the first section … what’s the temp NOW.”
“You have to consider it needs to cater for varying digital literacy,” another said.
One of the biggest gripes is that the homepage has lost the satellite view — and no longer shows minimum and maximum temperatures or rainfall predictions at a glance.
The new design might be easier to read quickly, but some argue it’s gone from information overload to the bare minimum.
The update also reignited another debate — the Bureau’s push to be called “the Bureau” — not “the BOM” — a change that’s become a running joke among Australians.
The Bureau said the redesign is just the beginning of a broader plan to improve online services.
Acting CEO Dr Peter Stone said the new website will make it easier for the community to access daily weather information and warnings, which are viewed more than 2.6 billion times each year.
“We designed the new website in consultation with the community to make sure it delivers the benefits people want and need,” Dr Stone said.
He encouraged users to explore the new features on mobile, tablet, or laptop.
“Like the popular BOM Weather app, the weather map lets you save favourite locations and choose the types of weather information you want to see,” he added.
Dr Stone said the rollout is just the beginning, with further improvements planned based on community and customer feedback.
He also encouraged users to explore the new features and highlighted that specialist content from the old “legacy” website will gradually be moved across, with the Bureau continuing to roll out regular updates based on community feedback.
So what do you think — is the new BOM website a breath of fresh air or a total washout?
Tell us in the comments.
