Chelsea, MA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Chelsea, Suffolk County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Chelsea?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 76 days in the Suffolk forecast zone and Suffolk County — the most common reported hazard around Chelsea, mostly in March and December. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (76 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (57 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 76 | Dec 2025 | Oct 29, 2012 · $3.0 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 76 | Jan 2026 | Feb 8, 2013 · 2 deaths |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 57 | Jul 2025 | Jun 6, 2010 · $100,000 damage |
| Coastal flooding | 42 | Apr 2024 | Oct 29, 2012 · $3.0 million damage |
| Flooding | 31 | Jul 2023 | Mar 5, 2001 · $15 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 21 | Jul 2018 | Jul 5, 1999 · 2 deaths |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 19 | Sep 2023 | Aug 5, 2010 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 18 | Jun 2024 | Oct 21, 1996 · $10 million 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 Suffolk forecast zone and Suffolk County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Chelsea get?
A normal year brings about 49 inches of snow to Chelsea, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Boston Logan Intl Ap weather station 2.7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (14.4 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2 | 0.7 | 9.0 | 14.3 | 14.4 | 9.0 | 1.6 | 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 Chelsea?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KBOX (Boston, MA), about 31 miles south. 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 Chelsea | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KBOX Boston, MA | 31 mi south | 1,900 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KGYX Portland, ME | 110 mi north-northeast | 11,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KOKX Upton, NY | 142 mi southwest | 16,600 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 Chelsea
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 41 tornadoes within 25 miles of Chelsea, 7 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and August. The strongest was an F3 on September 29, 1974, which touched down about 17 miles northwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on September 6, 2025, which touched down about 25 miles west of town.
Hail: 142 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 14 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.50-inch hail on August 28, 1965.
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 Chelsea'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.
Chelsea radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Chelsea, MA?
KBOX (Boston, MA), about 31 miles south. KGYX (Portland, ME) is 110 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Chelsea?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Chelsea the lowest scan from KBOX is about 1,900 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Chelsea 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 Chelsea, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Everett, MA radar 1 mi
- Malden, MA radar 3 mi
- Revere, MA radar 3 mi
- Winthrop Town, MA radar 3 mi
- Somerville, MA radar 4 mi
- Boston, MA radar 4 mi
- Melrose, MA radar 4 mi
- Medford, MA radar 4 mi
- Cambridge, MA radar 5 mi
- Lynn, MA radar 6 mi