Saco, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Saco, Phillips County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Saco?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 112 days in the Central and Southeast Phillips forecast zone and Phillips County — the most common reported hazard around Saco, mostly in July and June. Next come high winds (66 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (53 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 112 | May 2026 | Jul 4, 2015 · $80,000 damage |
| High winds | 66 | Apr 2026 | May 4, 2010 · $15,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 53 | Dec 2025 | — |
| Flooding | 37 | Apr 2023 | May 23, 2008 · $1,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 31 | Dec 2025 | — |
| Blizzards | 12 | Dec 2025 | — |
| Flash flooding | 12 | Aug 2014 | Jul 3, 1998 · $15,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 6 | Jan 2026 | Jan 19, 2010 · $4,000 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 Southeast Phillips forecast zone and Phillips County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Saco?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGGW (Glasgow, MT), about 37 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 Saco | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGGW Glasgow, MT | 37 mi east-southeast | 2,400 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KBLX Billings, MT | 189 mi south-southwest | 26,700 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 199 mi west-southwest | 29,100 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 Saco
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 11 tornadoes within 25 miles of Saco. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F1 on July 10, 1983, which touched down about 25 miles southeast of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on June 9, 2023, which touched down about 14 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 93 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 15 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 Saco'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.
Saco radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Saco, MT?
KGGW (Glasgow, MT), about 37 miles east-southeast. KBLX (Billings, MT) is 189 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Saco?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Saco the lowest scan from KGGW is about 2,400 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Saco 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 Saco, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Malta, MT radar 25 mi
- Glasgow, MT radar 37 mi