Swampscott, MA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Swampscott, Essex County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Swampscott?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 110 days in the Eastern Essex forecast zone and Essex County — the most common reported hazard around Swampscott, mostly in July and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (91 days) and high winds (68 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 110 | Sep 2025 | Jul 11, 2006 · $500,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 91 | Feb 2026 | Dec 7, 1996 · $1.4 million damage |
| High winds | 68 | Mar 2025 | Oct 28, 2006 · $450,000 damage |
| Flooding | 55 | Aug 2023 | May 13, 2006 · 2 deaths · $7.0 million damage |
| Coastal flooding | 42 | May 2025 | Feb 9, 2013 · $5.8 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 37 | Jun 2023 | Sep 6, 2014 · 2 deaths |
| Flash flooding | 23 | Aug 2025 | Mar 22, 2001 · $10 million damage |
| Storm surge | 9 | Aug 2011 | Jan 23, 2005 · $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 Eastern Essex forecast zone and Essex County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Swampscott get?
A normal year brings about 39 inches of snow to Swampscott, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Marblehead weather station 2.6 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (13.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.8 | 7.4 | 13.3 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 1.5 | 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 Swampscott?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KBOX (Boston, MA), about 38 miles south-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 Swampscott | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KBOX Boston, MA | 38 mi south-southwest | 2,400 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KGYX Portland, ME | 103 mi north-northeast | 10,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KOKX Upton, NY | 150 mi southwest | 18,300 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 Swampscott
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 29 tornadoes within 25 miles of Swampscott, 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 19 miles northwest of town. The most recent was an EF1 on August 18, 2023, which touched down about 20 miles south of town.
Hail: 112 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 11 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 Swampscott'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.
Swampscott radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Swampscott, MA?
KBOX (Boston, MA), about 38 miles south-southwest. KGYX (Portland, ME) is 103 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Swampscott?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Swampscott the lowest scan from KBOX is about 2,400 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Swampscott 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 Swampscott, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Lynn, MA radar 4 mi
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- Beverly, MA radar 7 mi
- Winthrop Town, MA radar 8 mi
- Melrose, MA radar 9 mi
- Chelsea, MA radar 9 mi
- Malden, MA radar 9 mi
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