Sleeping Buffalo, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Sleeping Buffalo, Phillips County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Sleeping Buffalo?
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 Sleeping Buffalo, 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 Sleeping Buffalo?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGGW (Glasgow, MT), about 46 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 Sleeping Buffalo | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGGW Glasgow, MT | 46 mi east-southeast | 3,200 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KBLX Billings, MT | 188 mi south-southwest | 26,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 192 mi west-southwest | 27,200 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 Sleeping Buffalo
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 8 tornadoes within 25 miles of Sleeping Buffalo. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an EF1 on June 29, 2011, which touched down about 10 miles east-northeast of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on June 9, 2023, which touched down about 23 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 109 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 12 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 Sleeping Buffalo'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.
Sleeping Buffalo radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Sleeping Buffalo, MT?
KGGW (Glasgow, MT), about 46 miles east-southeast. KBLX (Billings, MT) is 188 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Sleeping Buffalo?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Sleeping Buffalo the lowest scan from KGGW is about 3,200 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Sleeping Buffalo 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 Sleeping Buffalo, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Malta, MT radar 18 mi
- Glasgow, MT radar 46 mi