New Bedford, MA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for New Bedford, Bristol County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits New Bedford?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 84 days in the Southern Bristol forecast zone and Bristol County — the most common reported hazard around New Bedford, mostly in December and October. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (84 days) and flooding (69 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 84 | Dec 2025 | Oct 26, 2021 · $1.0 million damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 84 | Jul 2025 | May 21, 1996 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 69 | May 2024 | Mar 29, 2010 · $24 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 60 | Jan 2026 | Jan 26, 2015 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 40 | Jun 2026 | Sep 5, 2012 · $1.5 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 32 | Jul 2025 | Jul 22, 2016 · $200,000 damage |
| Coastal flooding | 14 | Mar 2024 | Oct 29, 2012 · $500,000 damage |
| Hurricanes & tropical storms | 6 | Aug 2021 | Aug 28, 2011 · $2.6 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 Southern Bristol forecast zone and Bristol County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does New Bedford get?
A normal year brings about 33 inches of snow to New Bedford, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the New Bedford Coop weather station 4.9 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (10.9 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.4 | 4.4 | 10.9 | 8.5 | 6.6 | 1.7 | 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 New Bedford?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KBOX (Boston, MA), about 23 miles north-northwest. 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 New Bedford | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KBOX Boston, MA | 23 mi north-northwest | 1,300 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KOKX Upton, NY | 114 mi west-southwest | 11,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KGYX Portland, ME | 158 mi north-northeast | 19,700 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 New Bedford
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 14 tornadoes within 25 miles of New Bedford, 2 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in August and October. The strongest was an F2 on August 28, 1970, which touched down about 5 miles south-southeast of town. The most recent was an EF1 on June 26, 2024, which touched down about 20 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 63 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 6 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.25-inch hail on August 16, 2008.
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 New Bedford'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.
New Bedford radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to New Bedford, MA?
KBOX (Boston, MA), about 23 miles north-northwest. KOKX (Upton, NY) is 114 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in New Bedford?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over New Bedford the lowest scan from KBOX is about 1,300 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for New Bedford 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 New Bedford, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Fall River, MA radar 9 mi
- Taunton, MA radar 19 mi
- Bridgewater Town, MA radar 22 mi
- Attleboro, MA radar 26 mi
- Brockton, MA radar 29 mi
- North Attleborough Town, MA radar 30 mi
- Barnstable Town, MA radar 30 mi
- Randolph Town, MA radar 36 mi
- Weymouth Town, MA radar 38 mi
- Braintree Town, MA radar 38 mi