Pilsen, KS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Pilsen, Marion County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Pilsen?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 108 days in the Marion forecast zone and Marion County — the most common reported hazard around Pilsen, mostly in June and May. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (41 days) and flash flooding (22 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 108 | Jun 2026 | Apr 26, 2009 · $300,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 41 | Jan 2026 | Jan 20, 2007 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 22 | Jun 2021 | Jun 13, 2010 · $110,000 damage |
| Flooding | 20 | Jun 2025 | Nov 1, 1998 · $2.3 million damage |
| High winds | 17 | Mar 2026 | May 19, 1998 · $50,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 10 | Aug 2011 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Nov 2015 | Dec 10, 2007 · $18 million damage |
| Blizzards | 4 | Jan 2025 | Mar 27, 2009 · 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 Marion forecast zone and Marion County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Pilsen get?
A normal year brings about 12 inches of snow to Pilsen, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Lincolnville weather station 4.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (3.4 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.7 | 3.3 | 3.4 | 3.2 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 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 Pilsen?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTWX (Topeka, KS), about 57 miles 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 Pilsen | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTWX Topeka, KS | 57 mi northeast | 4,200 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KICT Wichita, KS | 60 mi south-southwest | 4,600 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KVNX Vance AFB, OK | 134 mi south-southwest | 15,100 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 Pilsen
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 108 tornadoes within 25 miles of Pilsen, 22 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F5 on March 13, 1990, which passed about 8 miles west-southwest of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF1 on April 19, 2023, which touched down about 19 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 431 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 51 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on April 19, 2023.
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 Pilsen'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.
Pilsen radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Pilsen, KS?
KTWX (Topeka, KS), about 57 miles northeast. KICT (Wichita, KS) is 60 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Pilsen?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Pilsen the lowest scan from KTWX is about 4,200 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Pilsen 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 Pilsen, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Marion, KS radar 8 mi
- Hillsboro, KS radar 12 mi
- Herington, KS radar 20 mi
- Hesston, KS radar 31 mi
- North Newton, KS radar 32 mi
- Moundridge, KS radar 32 mi
- Council Grove, KS radar 32 mi
- Abilene, KS radar 33 mi
- Newton, KS radar 34 mi
- McPherson, KS radar 35 mi