Manhattan, KS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Manhattan, Riley County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Manhattan?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 107 days in the Riley forecast zone and Riley County — the most common reported hazard around Manhattan, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (52 days) and flash flooding (34 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 107 | Jun 2026 | Apr 19, 2002 · $5.0 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 52 | Jan 2026 | Apr 10, 1997 · $40,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 34 | Jun 2026 | Sep 3, 2018 · $17 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 20 | Jul 2012 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 18 | Jun 2008 | Aug 11, 1999 · 1 death |
| High winds | 15 | Jun 2016 | Mar 15, 2001 · $2,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 8 | Dec 2022 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 7 | Jan 2020 | Dec 21, 1997 · 1 death · $70,000 damage |
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 Riley forecast zone and Riley County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Manhattan get?
A normal year brings about 18 inches of snow to Manhattan, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Manhattan weather station 1.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (5.0 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 1.1 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 1.8 | 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 Manhattan?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTWX (Topeka, KS), about 24 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 Manhattan | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTWX Topeka, KS | 24 mi east-southeast | 1,400 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KICT Wichita, KS | 115 mi south-southwest | 12,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KUEX Hastings, NE | 125 mi northwest | 13,600 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 Manhattan
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 107 tornadoes within 25 miles of Manhattan, 17 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an F4 on May 19, 1960, which passed about 15 miles east of town. The most recent was an EF0 on April 28, 2025, which passed about 23 miles east of town.
Hail: 744 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 95 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on April 15, 2012.
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 Manhattan'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.
Manhattan radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Manhattan, KS?
KTWX (Topeka, KS), about 24 miles east-southeast. KICT (Wichita, KS) is 115 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Manhattan?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Manhattan the lowest scan from KTWX is about 1,400 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Manhattan 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 Manhattan, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Ogden, KS radar 7 mi
- St. George, KS radar 10 mi
- Grandview Plaza, KS radar 15 mi
- Wamego, KS radar 16 mi
- Junction City, KS radar 17 mi
- Chapman, KS radar 27 mi
- St. Marys, KS radar 29 mi
- Clay Center, KS radar 31 mi
- Rossville, KS radar 35 mi
- Herington, KS radar 36 mi