Philipsburg, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Philipsburg, Granite County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Philipsburg?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 163 days in the Butte/Blackfoot Region forecast zone and Granite County — the most common reported hazard around Philipsburg, mostly in February and November. Next come high winds (42 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (28 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 163 | Mar 2026 | Nov 24, 2015 · 1 death · $15,000 damage |
| High winds | 42 | Dec 2025 | Nov 12, 2007 · $650,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 28 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Flooding | 13 | Jun 2018 | May 1, 1997 · $69,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 9 | Jul 2025 | — |
| Blizzards | 4 | Apr 2008 | — |
| Avalanches | 4 | Feb 2025 | Jan 6, 2012 · 1 death · $500 damage |
| Flash flooding | 2 | Aug 2013 | Aug 9, 2013 · $25,000 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 Butte/Blackfoot Region forecast zone and Granite County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Philipsburg?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 59 miles north-northwest. 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 Philipsburg | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 59 mi north-northwest | 4,400 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 119 mi northeast | 12,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 224 mi west-northwest | 35,500 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 Philipsburg
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 2 tornadoes within 25 miles of Philipsburg. The strongest was an F0 on August 11, 1988, which touched down about 8 miles northeast of town.
Hail: 31 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-inch hail on July 27, 2018.
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 Philipsburg'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.
Philipsburg radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Philipsburg, MT?
KMSX (Missoula, MT), about 59 miles north-northwest. KTFX (Great Falls, MT) is 119 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Philipsburg?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Philipsburg the lowest scan from KMSX is about 4,400 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Philipsburg 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 Philipsburg, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, MT radar 18 mi
- Deer Lodge, MT radar 27 mi
- Stevensville, MT radar 40 mi
- Hamilton, MT radar 42 mi
- Butte-Silver Bow (balance), MT radar 43 mi
- Missoula, MT radar 51 mi
- Boulder, MT radar 57 mi