Sunburst, MT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Sunburst, Toole County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Sunburst?
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 Toole County — the most common reported hazard around Sunburst, mostly in February and January. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (36 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (11 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 96 | Jun 2026 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 36 | May 2026 | Jun 8, 2000 · $15,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 11 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 3 | Mar 2024 | — |
| Flash flooding | 3 | Jun 2018 | Jul 4, 1998 · $10,000 damage |
| Flooding | 2 | Apr 2018 | — |
| Blizzards | 1 | Mar 2026 | — |
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 Toole County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Sunburst?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KTFX (Great Falls, MT), about 101 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 Sunburst | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTFX Great Falls, MT | 101 mi south-southeast | 9,700 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KMSX Missoula, MT | 159 mi southwest | 20,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KGGW Glasgow, MT | 246 mi east | 41,500 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 Sunburst
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 8 tornadoes within 25 miles of Sunburst, 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 2 miles north-northwest of town. The most recent was an F1 on June 6, 1994, which touched down about 21 miles southwest of town.
Hail: 32 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 2 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on August 6, 1967.
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 Sunburst'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.
Sunburst radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Sunburst, MT?
KTFX (Great Falls, MT), about 101 miles south-southeast. KMSX (Missoula, MT) is 159 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Sunburst?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Sunburst the lowest scan from KTFX is about 9,700 ft up — fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation.
Is TALON's radar for Sunburst 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 Sunburst, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Cut Bank, MT radar 26 mi
- Shelby, MT radar 26 mi
- Conrad, MT radar 48 mi