Hinsdale, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Hinsdale, Valley County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Hinsdale?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 190 days in the Central and Southern Valley forecast zone and Valley County — the most common reported hazard around Hinsdale, mostly in July and June. Next come high winds (102 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (61 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 190 | May 2026 | Aug 6, 2010 · $750,000 damage |
| High winds | 102 | May 2026 | Jun 26, 2012 · $15,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 61 | Dec 2025 | — |
| Flooding | 61 | Jun 2023 | Aug 24, 2014 · $1.1 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 43 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Flash flooding | 27 | Jul 2024 | Jun 7, 2005 · $200,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 18 | Apr 2026 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 7 | Jan 2026 | Jan 19, 2010 · $15,000 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 and Southern Valley forecast zone and Valley County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Hinsdale?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGGW (Glasgow, MT), about 25 miles east-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 Hinsdale | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGGW Glasgow, MT | 25 mi east-southeast | 1,500 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KBLX Billings, MT | 190 mi south-southwest | 26,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 209 mi west-southwest | 31,600 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 Hinsdale
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 11 tornadoes within 25 miles of Hinsdale. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F1 on July 10, 1983, which touched down about 14 miles southeast of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on June 9, 2023, which touched down about 2 miles east-northeast of town.
Hail: 106 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 17 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.25-inch hail on July 11, 2004.
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 Hinsdale'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.
Hinsdale radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Hinsdale, MT?
KGGW (Glasgow, MT), about 25 miles east-southeast. KBLX (Billings, MT) is 190 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Hinsdale?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Hinsdale the lowest scan from KGGW is about 1,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Hinsdale 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 Hinsdale, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Glasgow, MT radar 25 mi
- Malta, MT radar 36 mi