Whitewater, KS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Whitewater, Butler County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Whitewater?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 228 days in the Butler forecast zone and Butler County — the most common reported hazard around Whitewater, mostly in June and May. Next come flooding (47 days) and flash flooding (46 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 228 | Jun 2026 | May 15, 2020 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 47 | Jun 2025 | Mar 9, 2009 · 1 death · $10,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 46 | Jun 2026 | Aug 19, 2016 · 1 death |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 41 | Jan 2026 | Jan 20, 2007 · 1 death |
| High winds | 21 | Mar 2026 | Dec 18, 2025 · 1 death |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Aug 2011 | May 9, 2011 · 1 death |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Jan 2017 | Dec 11, 2007 · $1.9 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 3 | Jul 2023 | Sep 22, 2000 · $100,000 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 Butler forecast zone and Butler County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Whitewater get?
A normal year brings about 9.1 inches of snow to Whitewater, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Potwin weather station 6.9 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (2.7 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.5 | 2.7 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 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 Whitewater?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KICT (Wichita, KS), about 27 miles southwest. 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 Whitewater | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KICT Wichita, KS | 27 mi southwest | 1,600 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KTWX Topeka, KS | 87 mi northeast | 7,800 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KVNX Vance AFB, OK | 100 mi south-southwest | 9,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
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 Whitewater
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 162 tornadoes within 25 miles of Whitewater, 35 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F5 on April 26, 1991, which passed about 13 miles southeast of town and caused 17 deaths. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on September 14, 2025, which touched down about 21 miles east of town.
Hail: 1,120 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 132 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 6.00-inch hail on May 17, 1959.
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 Whitewater'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.
Whitewater radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Whitewater, KS?
KICT (Wichita, KS), about 27 miles southwest. KTWX (Topeka, KS) is 87 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Whitewater?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Whitewater the lowest scan from KICT is about 1,600 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Whitewater 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 Whitewater, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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