Max, ND Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Max, McLean County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Max?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 89 days in the Eastern McLean forecast zone and McLean County — the most common reported hazard around Max, mostly in July and June. Next come lightning casualties & damage (6 days) and flash flooding (6 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 89 | Jun 2026 | Jun 29, 2018 · 1 death · $250,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 6 | Jul 2011 | Aug 3, 1996 · $70,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 6 | Jun 2018 | Jun 6, 1999 · $300,000 damage |
| Flooding | 5 | Aug 2011 | Jun 2, 2011 · $5.0 million damage |
| High winds | 2 | May 2026 | — |
| Dust storms | 1 | May 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 McLean forecast zone and McLean County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Max get?
A normal year brings about 49 inches of snow to Max, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Max weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually December (9.6 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 | 6.9 | 9.6 | 8.9 | 7.2 | 7.9 | 4.4 | 1.0 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Max?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMBX (Minot AFB, ND), about 44 miles north-northeast. 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 Max | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMBX Minot AFB, ND | 44 mi north-northeast | 3,000 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 77 mi south-southeast | 6,500 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KMVX Grand Forks, ND | 186 mi east | 25,800 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 Max
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 42 tornadoes within 25 miles of Max, 5 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and August. The strongest was an F3 on June 5, 1956, which touched down about 17 miles south-southeast of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on August 24, 2023, which touched down about 24 miles east-northeast of town.
Hail: 167 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 24 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on August 24, 1983.
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 Max'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.
Max radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Max, ND?
KMBX (Minot AFB, ND), about 44 miles north-northeast. KBIS (Bismarck, ND) is 77 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Max?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Max the lowest scan from KMBX is about 3,000 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Max 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 Max, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Garrison, ND radar 13 mi
- Velva, ND radar 23 mi
- Minot, ND radar 29 mi
- Surrey, ND radar 30 mi
- Burlington, ND radar 31 mi
- Washburn, ND radar 38 mi
- Hazen, ND radar 39 mi
- Beulah, ND radar 44 mi
- New Town, ND radar 57 mi
- Stanley, ND radar 61 mi