Gilbert, AZ Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Gilbert, Maricopa County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Gilbert?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 376 days in the East Valley forecast zone and Maricopa County — the most common reported hazard around Gilbert, mostly in August and July. Next come flash flooding (219 days) and excessive heat (155 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 |
| Excessive heat | 155 | Jun 2024 | Jul 11, 2023 · 36 deaths |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 56 | Oct 2025 | Jul 27, 1999 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 51 | Nov 2025 | Apr 1, 2023 · 2 deaths |
| Dust storms | 22 | Sep 2025 | Apr 12, 2018 · 1 death |
| High winds | 2 | Oct 2022 | — |
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 East Valley forecast zone and Maricopa County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Gilbert?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KIWA (Phoenix, AZ), about 4 miles east-southeast. 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 Gilbert | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIWA Phoenix, AZ | 4 mi east-southeast | 200 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KFSX Flagstaff, AZ | 93 mi north-northeast | 8,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KEMX Tucson, AZ | 117 mi southeast | 12,300 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 Gilbert
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 51 tornadoes within 25 miles of Gilbert, 4 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and June. The strongest was an F2 on August 30, 1971, which passed about 10 miles northwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on October 16, 2022, which touched down about 11 miles southwest of town.
Hail: 78 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 4 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on October 5, 2010.
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 Gilbert'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.
Gilbert radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Gilbert, AZ?
KIWA (Phoenix, AZ), about 4 miles east-southeast. KFSX (Flagstaff, AZ) is 93 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Gilbert?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Gilbert the lowest scan from KIWA is about 200 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Gilbert 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 Gilbert, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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