Bethel, ME Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Bethel, Oxford County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Bethel?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 172 days in the Southern Oxford forecast zone and Oxford County — the most common reported hazard around Bethel, mostly in February and January. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (103 days) and flooding (61 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 172 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 103 | Jun 2026 | Jun 19, 2006 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 61 | Apr 2024 | Dec 18, 2023 · 2 deaths · $5.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 35 | Jul 2024 | Jun 26, 2023 · $2.6 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 23 | Feb 2023 | — |
| High winds | 21 | Dec 2023 | Oct 20, 2006 · $20,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 18 | Sep 2018 | Jul 6, 2011 · $1.0 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Dec 2008 | Jan 5, 1998 · 1 death · $28 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 Oxford forecast zone and Oxford County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Bethel get?
A normal year brings about 76 inches of snow to Bethel, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the West Paris weather station 11.1 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (19.5 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2 | 3.5 | 13.0 | 19.5 | 16.3 | 19.2 | 4.2 | 0.2 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Bethel?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGYX (Portland, ME), about 44 miles southeast. 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 Bethel | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGYX Portland, ME | 44 mi southeast | 3,000 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KCXX Burlington, VT | 118 mi west | 12,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KBOX Boston, MA | 170 mi south | 22,300 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 Bethel
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 19 tornadoes within 25 miles of Bethel. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an EF1 on July 1, 2017, which touched down about 24 miles south of town. The most recent was an EF1 on July 1, 2017, which touched down about 23 miles south of town.
Hail: 62 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 5 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.50-inch hail on July 11, 1980.
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 Bethel'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.
Bethel radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Bethel, ME?
KGYX (Portland, ME), about 44 miles southeast. KCXX (Burlington, VT) is 118 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Bethel?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Bethel the lowest scan from KGYX is about 3,000 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Bethel 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 Bethel, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Westbrook, ME radar 53 mi
- Waterville, ME radar 56 mi
- Bath, ME radar 57 mi
- South Portland, ME radar 59 mi
- Portland, ME radar 61 mi