Santa Rita, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Santa Rita, Glacier County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Santa Rita?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 96 days in the Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera forecast zone and Glacier County — the most common reported hazard around Santa Rita, mostly in February and January. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (26 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (11 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 96 | Jun 2026 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 26 | May 2026 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 11 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Flooding | 7 | Jun 2026 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 3 | Mar 2024 | — |
| Flash flooding | 2 | Jun 2002 | — |
| Blizzards | 1 | Mar 2026 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 1 | Jul 2013 | — |
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 Eastern Glacier, Western Toole, and Central Pondera forecast zone and Glacier County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Santa Rita?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTFX (Great Falls, MT), about 96 miles south-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 Santa Rita | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 96 mi south-southeast | 9,000 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 138 mi southwest | 15,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 254 mi west-southwest | 44,100 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 Santa Rita
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 8 tornadoes within 25 miles of Santa Rita, 1 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and August. The strongest was an F2 on May 7, 1982, which touched down about 23 miles northeast of town. The most recent was an F1 on June 13, 2006, which passed about 16 miles west-southwest of town.
Hail: 48 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-inch hail on June 17, 2022.
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 Santa Rita'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.
Santa Rita radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Santa Rita, MT?
KTFX (Great Falls, MT), about 96 miles south-southeast. KMSX (Missoula, MT) is 138 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Santa Rita?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Santa Rita the lowest scan from KTFX is about 9,000 ft up — fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation.
Is TALON's radar for Santa Rita 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 Santa Rita, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Cut Bank, MT radar 4 mi
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- Conrad, MT radar 40 mi
- Choteau, MT radar 61 mi