Houlton, ME Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Houlton, Aroostook County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Houlton?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 160 days in the Southeast Aroostook forecast zone and Aroostook County — the most common reported hazard around Houlton, mostly in January and March. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (138 days) and flooding (59 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 160 | Mar 2025 | Jan 13, 2002 · 1 death |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 138 | May 2026 | Jul 17, 2025 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 59 | Mar 2026 | Apr 15, 2014 · 1 death · $80,000 damage |
| High winds | 36 | Dec 2025 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 36 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flash flooding | 36 | Jun 2023 | Aug 10, 2003 · $150,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 10 | Aug 2025 | — |
| Blizzards | 8 | Jan 2022 | — |
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 Southeast Aroostook forecast zone and Aroostook County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Houlton get?
A normal year brings about 96 inches of snow to Houlton, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Houlton 5N weather station 5.9 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (22.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.7 | 6.5 | 19.6 | 22.8 | 20.9 | 19.0 | 6.3 | 0.1 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Houlton?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KCBW (Caribou, ME), about 6 miles south-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 Houlton | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KCBW Caribou, ME | 6 mi south-southeast | 300 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KGYX Portland, ME | 194 mi southwest | 27,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KCXX Burlington, VT | 282 mi west-southwest | 52,800 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 Houlton
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 3 tornadoes within 25 miles of Houlton. Most came in July and May. The strongest was an F1 on July 24, 2001, which passed about 11 miles west of town. The most recent was an EF0 on May 26, 2014, which touched down about 8 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 34 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 3 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on August 27, 1961.
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 Houlton'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.
Houlton radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Houlton, ME?
KCBW (Caribou, ME), about 6 miles south-southeast. KGYX (Portland, ME) is 194 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Houlton?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Houlton the lowest scan from KCBW is about 300 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Houlton 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 Houlton, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Presque Isle, ME radar 40 mi
- Caribou, ME radar 50 mi