Howland, ME Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Howland, Penobscot County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Howland?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 142 days in the Central Penobscot forecast zone and Penobscot County — the most common reported hazard around Howland, mostly in January and February. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (97 days) and flooding (42 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 142 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 97 | Jun 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 42 | Apr 2024 | May 1, 2008 · $481,000 damage |
| High winds | 39 | Dec 2025 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 23 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Excessive heat | 20 | Aug 2025 | — |
| Flash flooding | 17 | Jul 2024 | Jun 23, 2012 · $265,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 6 | Jan 2020 | Jan 5, 1998 · $5.0 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 Central Penobscot forecast zone and Penobscot County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Howland?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KCBW (Caribou, ME), about 67 miles northeast. 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 Howland | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KCBW Caribou, ME | 67 mi northeast | 5,400 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KGYX Portland, ME | 124 mi southwest | 13,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KCXX Burlington, VT | 227 mi west-southwest | 36,200 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 Howland
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 4 tornadoes within 25 miles of Howland, 2 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in August and July. The strongest was an F2 on November 7, 1971, which passed about 12 miles northeast of town. The most recent was an F0 on August 27, 1997, which touched down about 23 miles southwest of town.
Hail: 45 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 2 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on June 19, 1995.
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 Howland'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.
Howland radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Howland, ME?
KCBW (Caribou, ME), about 67 miles northeast. KGYX (Portland, ME) is 124 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Howland?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Howland the lowest scan from KCBW is about 5,400 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Howland 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 Howland, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Old Town, ME radar 22 mi
- Bangor, ME radar 31 mi
- Brewer, ME radar 34 mi
- Ellsworth, ME radar 48 mi
- Belfast, ME radar 61 mi