Bowbells, ND Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Bowbells, Burke County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Bowbells?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 55 days in the Burke forecast zone and Burke County — the most common reported hazard around Bowbells, mostly in December and November. Next come high winds (44 days) and blizzards (36 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 55 | Feb 2026 | — |
| High winds | 44 | May 2026 | Feb 13, 2011 · $20,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 36 | Dec 2025 | Apr 23, 2022 · $6.0 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 36 | Feb 2025 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 24 | Jun 2026 | Jun 24, 2010 · $500,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 8 | Aug 2006 | Aug 9, 2006 · $250,000 damage |
| Flooding | 2 | Apr 2023 | Jun 28, 2014 · $75,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 1 | Dec 2010 | — |
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 Burke forecast zone and Burke County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Bowbells?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMBX (Minot AFB, ND), about 69 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 Bowbells | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMBX Minot AFB, ND | 69 mi east-southeast | 5,600 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 156 mi south-southeast | 19,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KGGW Glasgow, MT | 205 mi west | 30,400 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 Bowbells
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 29 tornadoes within 25 miles of Bowbells, 3 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and August. The strongest was an F4 on July 5, 1955, which passed about 14 miles southeast of town. The most recent was an EF0 on May 22, 2011, which touched down about 25 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 122 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 11 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on June 14, 2018.
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 Bowbells'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.
Bowbells radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Bowbells, ND?
KMBX (Minot AFB, ND), about 69 miles east-southeast. KBIS (Bismarck, ND) is 156 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Bowbells?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Bowbells the lowest scan from KMBX is about 5,600 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Bowbells 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 Bowbells, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Stanley, ND radar 34 mi
- Tioga, ND radar 43 mi
- Crosby, ND radar 48 mi
- Burlington, ND radar 54 mi
- New Town, ND radar 57 mi
- Minot, ND radar 59 mi