Gila Bend, AZ Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Gila Bend, Maricopa County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Gila Bend?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 376 days in the Gila Bend forecast zone and Maricopa County — the most common reported hazard around Gila Bend, mostly in August and July. Next come flash flooding (219 days) and lightning casualties & damage (56 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 376 | Nov 2025 | Jul 14, 2001 · 1 death · $5.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 219 | Nov 2025 | Mar 28, 1998 · 3 deaths |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 56 | Oct 2025 | Jul 27, 1999 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 51 | Nov 2025 | Apr 1, 2023 · 2 deaths |
| Excessive heat | 38 | Jun 2024 | Sep 10, 2021 · 1 death |
| Dust storms | 7 | Jul 2024 | — |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996–2026 (the latest year is partial). A "day" is a date with at least one report in the Gila Bend forecast zone and Maricopa County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Gila Bend?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KIWA (Phoenix, AZ), about 64 miles east-northeast. Radar beams climb as they travel, so the height of the lowest scan over town decides how low in a storm the radar can see.
| Radar | Distance | Lowest beam over Gila Bend | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIWA Phoenix, AZ | 64 mi east-northeast | 5,100 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KYUX Yuma, AZ | 117 mi west-southwest | 12,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KFSX Flagstaff, AZ | 141 mi northeast | 16,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
Beam height is the center of the 0.5° scan above the radar, with standard refraction. Mountains near a radar can block it further.
Tornado & hail history near Gila Bend
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 5 tornadoes within 25 miles of Gila Bend. Most came in July and August. The strongest was an F1 on August 1, 1969, which touched down about 5 miles west-northwest of town. The most recent was an F0 on July 14, 1995, which touched down near town.
Hail: 4 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.00-inch hail on October 5, 2021.
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center — tornadoes 1950–2025, hail 1955–2025. Distances are to each tornado's track; ratings before February 2007 use the original Fujita scale.
On TALON you get Gila Bend's live radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks with arrival times and NWS warnings free; close-up radar and rotation detection are part of TALON Pro.
Gila Bend radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Gila Bend, AZ?
KIWA (Phoenix, AZ), about 64 miles east-northeast. KYUX (Yuma, AZ) is 117 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Gila Bend?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Gila Bend the lowest scan from KIWA is about 5,100 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Gila Bend free?
Yes — the US radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and NWS warnings are free in any browser. Close-up radar, rotation detection and longer forecasts are part of TALON Pro.
Should I rely on radar for my safety?
No app replaces official warnings. When the National Weather Service issues a warning for Gila Bend, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Buckeye, AZ radar 32 mi
- Avondale, AZ radar 33 mi
- Maricopa, AZ radar 42 mi
- Litchfield Park, AZ radar 42 mi
- Tolleson, AZ radar 43 mi
- El Mirage, AZ radar 49 mi
- Youngtown, AZ radar 49 mi
- Glendale, AZ radar 50 mi
- Surprise, AZ radar 51 mi