Plentywood, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Plentywood, Sheridan County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Plentywood?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 64 days in the Sheridan forecast zone and Sheridan County — the most common reported hazard around Plentywood, mostly in July and August. Next come high winds (62 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (60 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 64 | Jun 2026 | Jun 6, 2005 · $75,000 damage |
| High winds | 62 | May 2026 | Apr 5, 2000 · $12,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 60 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 44 | Feb 2025 | Nov 1, 2000 · $2.5 million damage |
| Blizzards | 31 | Dec 2024 | Feb 25, 1998 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 12 | Jun 2026 | Mar 17, 1999 · $10,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 7 | Jan 2026 | Jan 18, 2010 · $25,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 3 | Jul 2007 | — |
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 Sheridan forecast zone and Sheridan County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Plentywood?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGGW (Glasgow, MT), about 103 miles west-southwest. 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 Plentywood | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGGW Glasgow, MT | 103 mi west-southwest | 10,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMBX Minot AFB, ND | 171 mi east | 22,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 224 mi southeast | 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 Plentywood
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 8 tornadoes within 25 miles of Plentywood, 2 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and May. The strongest was an EF3 on July 26, 2010, which passed about 16 miles south-southwest of town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on July 9, 2018, which touched down near town.
Hail: 112 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 13 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on July 26, 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 Plentywood'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.
Plentywood radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Plentywood, MT?
KGGW (Glasgow, MT), about 103 miles west-southwest. KMBX (Minot AFB, ND) is 171 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Plentywood?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Plentywood the lowest scan from KGGW is about 10,000 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Plentywood 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 Plentywood, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.