Monticello, IL Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Monticello, Piatt County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Monticello?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 71 days in the Piatt forecast zone and Piatt County — the most common reported hazard around Monticello, mostly in May and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (37 days) and flash flooding (20 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 71 | Jun 2026 | Jul 13, 2004 · $800,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 37 | Jan 2026 | Dec 1, 2006 · $400,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 20 | Jun 2020 | Jul 12, 2014 · $1.5 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Aug 2024 | — |
| High winds | 11 | Jun 2024 | Apr 30, 1997 · $32,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 9 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 4 | May 2024 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Dec 2007 | — |
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 Piatt forecast zone and Piatt County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Monticello get?
A normal year brings about 18 inches of snow to Monticello, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Monticello (River) weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually January (7.7 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.8 | 2.8 | 7.7 | 4.4 | 2.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Monticello?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KILX (Lincoln, IL), about 41 miles west-northwest. 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 Monticello | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KILX Lincoln, IL | 41 mi west-northwest | 2,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KLOT Chicago, IL | 112 mi north-northeast | 11,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KIND Indianapolis, IN | 124 mi east | 13,400 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 Monticello
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 187 tornadoes within 25 miles of Monticello, 27 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F4 on March 20, 1976, which passed about 10 miles south-southeast of town. The most recent was an EF2 on December 28, 2025, which passed about 16 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 272 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 29 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on April 7, 1998.
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 Monticello'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.
Monticello radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Monticello, IL?
KILX (Lincoln, IL), about 41 miles west-northwest. KLOT (Chicago, IL) is 112 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Monticello?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Monticello the lowest scan from KILX is about 2,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Monticello 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 Monticello, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Bement, IL radar 8 mi
- Cerro Gordo, IL radar 13 mi
- Mahomet, IL radar 15 mi
- Farmer City, IL radar 15 mi
- Tolono, IL radar 17 mi
- Champaign, IL radar 17 mi
- Savoy, IL radar 17 mi
- Atwood, IL radar 17 mi
- Maroa, IL radar 20 mi
- Urbana, IL radar 21 mi