Hot Springs, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Hot Springs, Sanders County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Hot Springs?
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 Sanders County — the most common reported hazard around Hot Springs, mostly in February and January. Next come high winds (43 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (18 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 |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 18 | Feb 2025 | Feb 1, 1996 · $1,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 17 | Sep 2024 | Jul 17, 2007 · $30,000 damage |
| Flooding | 11 | Dec 2025 | 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 Sanders County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Hot Springs?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 51 miles 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 Hot Springs | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 51 mi southeast | 3,600 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 138 mi west | 15,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 154 mi east | 18,900 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 Hot Springs
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 1 tornado within 25 miles of Hot Springs. The strongest was an EF0 on July 18, 2007, which touched down about 17 miles east of town.
Hail: 11 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-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 Hot Springs'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.
Hot Springs radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Hot Springs, MT?
KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 51 miles southeast. KOTX (Spokane, WA) is 138 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Hot Springs?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Hot Springs the lowest scan from KMSX is about 3,600 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Plains, MT radar 14 mi
- Polson, MT radar 25 mi
- Ronan, MT radar 27 mi
- Thompson Falls, MT radar 31 mi
- Kalispell, MT radar 45 mi
- Columbia Falls, MT radar 57 mi
- Missoula, MT radar 59 mi
- Whitefish, MT radar 59 mi