Abilene, KS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Abilene, Dickinson County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Abilene?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 123 days in the Dickinson forecast zone and Dickinson County — the most common reported hazard around Abilene, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (48 days) and flash flooding (30 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 123 | Jun 2026 | Jul 22, 1996 · $90,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 48 | Jan 2026 | Dec 11, 2000 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 30 | Jun 2026 | Jun 3, 2005 · 1 death · $300,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 18 | Jul 2012 | — |
| High winds | 17 | Jun 2014 | Feb 24, 2007 · $200,000 damage |
| Flooding | 14 | Aug 2016 | Jun 3, 2005 · $500,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 10 | Mar 2007 | Aug 14, 2006 · $100,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 7 | Dec 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 Dickinson forecast zone and Dickinson County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Abilene get?
A normal year brings about 12 inches of snow to Abilene, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Abilene weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually January (4.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 4.1 | 2.8 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 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 Abilene?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTWX (Topeka, KS), about 54 miles east. 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 Abilene | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTWX Topeka, KS | 54 mi east | 3,900 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KICT Wichita, KS | 89 mi south | 8,000 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KUEX Hastings, NE | 116 mi north-northwest | 12,100 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 Abilene
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 114 tornadoes within 25 miles of Abilene, 27 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an EF4 on May 25, 2016, which passed about 4 miles north of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on July 22, 2023, which touched down about 7 miles east-northeast of town.
Hail: 696 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 79 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on June 1, 2011.
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 Abilene'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.
Abilene radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Abilene, KS?
KTWX (Topeka, KS), about 54 miles east. KICT (Wichita, KS) is 89 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Abilene?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Abilene the lowest scan from KTWX is about 3,900 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Abilene 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 Abilene, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Minneapolis, KS radar 29 mi
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- Lindsborg, KS radar 34 mi