Charlo, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Charlo, Lake County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Charlo?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 129 days in the Flathead/Mission Valleys forecast zone and Lake County — the most common reported hazard around Charlo, mostly in February and January. Next come high winds (43 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (33 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 129 | Mar 2026 | Feb 13, 2025 · 4 deaths |
| High winds | 43 | Mar 2026 | Jul 14, 2025 · 1 death · $26,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 33 | Aug 2024 | Jun 28, 2022 · $50,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 18 | Feb 2025 | Feb 1, 1996 · $1,000 damage |
| Flooding | 8 | Jun 2026 | May 1, 1997 · $912,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 5 | Feb 2014 | Dec 12, 2008 · 1 death · $200,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Dec 2015 | Nov 21, 2014 · $30,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 3 | Jul 2024 | — |
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 Flathead/Mission Valleys forecast zone and Lake County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Charlo?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 29 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 Charlo | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 29 mi south-southeast | 1,800 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 130 mi east | 14,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 162 mi west | 20,600 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 Charlo
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 4 tornadoes within 25 miles of Charlo. Most came in March and July. The strongest was an EF0 on July 18, 2007, which touched down about 16 miles north-northwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on May 9, 2023, which touched down about 8 miles southeast of town.
Hail: 32 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 2 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.00-inch hail on June 13, 2006.
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 Charlo'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.
Charlo radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Charlo, MT?
KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 29 miles south-southeast. KTFX (Great Falls, MT) is 130 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Charlo?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Charlo the lowest scan from KMSX is about 1,800 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Charlo 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 Charlo, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Ronan, MT radar 7 mi
- Polson, MT radar 17 mi
- Plains, MT radar 33 mi
- Missoula, MT radar 40 mi
- Kalispell, MT radar 54 mi
- Thompson Falls, MT radar 56 mi