Minot AFB, ND Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Minot AFB, Ward County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Minot AFB?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 72 days in the Central and Southern Ward/Minot Area forecast zone and Ward County — the most common reported hazard around Minot AFB, mostly in July and June. Next come flash flooding (13 days) and flooding (10 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 72 | Jun 2026 | Jul 4, 2015 · $200,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 13 | Jun 2012 | Jun 22, 2011 · $5.0 million damage |
| Flooding | 10 | Apr 2023 | May 1, 2011 · $100 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 6 | Sep 2009 | Jun 24, 2006 · $125,000 damage |
| Dust storms | 1 | May 2026 | — |
| High winds | 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 Central and Southern Ward/Minot Area forecast zone and Ward County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Minot AFB get?
A normal year brings about 45 inches of snow to Minot AFB, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Minot Intl Ap weather station 11.7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (9.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | 9.2 | 8.1 | 9.8 | 5.4 | 6.1 | 4.5 | 0.7 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Minot AFB?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMBX (Minot AFB, ND), about 22 miles east. 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 Minot AFB | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMBX Minot AFB, ND | 22 mi east | 1,200 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 117 mi south-southeast | 12,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMVX Grand Forks, ND | 196 mi east-southeast | 28,100 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 Minot AFB
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 54 tornadoes within 25 miles of Minot AFB, 5 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and June. The strongest was an F3 on July 6, 1977, which passed about 22 miles north-northwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on July 21, 2013, which passed about 20 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 163 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 18 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on August 18, 1995.
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 Minot AFB'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.
Minot AFB radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Minot AFB, ND?
KMBX (Minot AFB, ND), about 22 miles east. KBIS (Bismarck, ND) is 117 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Minot AFB?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Minot AFB the lowest scan from KMBX is about 1,200 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Minot AFB 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 Minot AFB, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Burlington, ND radar 12 mi
- Minot, ND radar 13 mi
- Surrey, ND radar 15 mi
- Velva, ND radar 31 mi
- Stanley, ND radar 49 mi
- Bottineau, ND radar 50 mi
- Garrison, ND radar 53 mi
- New Town, ND radar 61 mi
- Rugby, ND radar 62 mi