Hamilton, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Hamilton, Ravalli County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Hamilton?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 96 days in the Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys forecast zone and Ravalli County — the most common reported hazard around Hamilton, mostly in February and January. Next come high winds (40 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (28 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 96 | Feb 2025 | Feb 16, 2025 · 3 deaths |
| High winds | 40 | Dec 2025 | Dec 17, 2025 · $307,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 28 | Sep 2025 | Jul 24, 2024 · $25,000 damage |
| Flooding | 18 | May 2020 | May 16, 1996 · 1 death |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 16 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Blizzards | 6 | Feb 2019 | — |
| Flash flooding | 6 | Jul 2021 | Jul 1, 2021 · $30,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Feb 2025 | Nov 19, 1997 · 2 deaths |
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 Missoula/Bitterroot Valleys forecast zone and Ravalli County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Hamilton?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 55 miles north. 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 Hamilton | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 55 mi north | 4,100 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 155 mi east-northeast | 19,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 191 mi west-northwest | 27,000 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 Hamilton
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 3 tornadoes within 25 miles of Hamilton, 1 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and October. The strongest was an F2 on June 23, 1975, which touched down about 11 miles west-southwest of town. The most recent was an F0 on August 15, 1990, which touched down about 13 miles north-northeast of town.
Hail: 44 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 3 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on June 28, 1988.
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 Hamilton'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.
Hamilton radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Hamilton, MT?
KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 55 miles north. KTFX (Great Falls, MT) is 155 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Hamilton?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Hamilton the lowest scan from KMSX is about 4,100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Hamilton 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 Hamilton, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.