Manhattan, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Manhattan, Gallatin County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Manhattan?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 50 days in the Gallatin Valley forecast zone and Gallatin County — the most common reported hazard around Manhattan, mostly in July and August. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (18 days) and high winds (12 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 50 | Nov 2025 | Jul 3, 2000 · $25,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 18 | Apr 2026 | — |
| High winds | 12 | May 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 10 | Apr 2023 | Apr 10, 2023 · $1.0 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 5 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Wildfires | 5 | Mar 2026 | Sep 1, 2000 · $160,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 2 | Aug 2021 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 1 | Jun 1999 | Jun 17, 1999 · 1 death |
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 Gallatin Valley forecast zone and Gallatin County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Manhattan get?
A normal year brings about 21 inches of snow to Manhattan, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Menard 3 Ne weather station 13.6 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (5.7 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2 | 3.3 | 5.7 | 4.6 | 2.8 | 2.7 | 1.1 | 0.7 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Manhattan?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTFX (Great Falls, MT), about 111 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 Manhattan | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 111 mi north | 11,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KBLX Billings, MT | 131 mi east | 14,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 151 mi northwest | 18,300 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 Manhattan
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 4 tornadoes within 25 miles of Manhattan. Most came in July and June. The strongest was an F1 on June 15, 1960, which touched down about 17 miles southeast of town. The most recent was an F0 on July 2, 1997, which touched down near town.
Hail: 66 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 30, 2010.
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 Manhattan'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.
Manhattan radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Manhattan, MT?
KTFX (Great Falls, MT), about 111 miles north. KBLX (Billings, MT) is 131 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Manhattan?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Manhattan the lowest scan from KTFX is about 11,200 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Manhattan 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 Manhattan, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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