Pillsbury, ND Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Pillsbury, Barnes County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Pillsbury?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 82 days in the Barnes forecast zone and Barnes County — the most common reported hazard around Pillsbury, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (81 days) and blizzards (77 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 82 | Jun 2026 | Jul 15, 2007 · $5.0 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 81 | Apr 2026 | Nov 27, 2005 · $250,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 77 | Feb 2024 | Apr 5, 1997 · $6.0 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 69 | Jan 2026 | Mar 8, 2003 · $50,000 damage |
| High winds | 28 | Aug 2025 | Jun 11, 2008 · $500,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 15 | Aug 2025 | Jun 20, 2013 · $250,000 damage |
| Flooding | 12 | Aug 2011 | Jun 17, 2007 · $3.4 million damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 8 | Dec 2023 | Apr 4, 1997 · $6.0 million 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 Barnes forecast zone and Barnes County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Pillsbury get?
A normal year brings about 35 inches of snow to Pillsbury, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Colgate weather station 7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (8.4 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8 | 8.0 | 6.4 | 8.4 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 1.6 | 0.0 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Pillsbury?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMVX (Grand Forks, ND), about 31 miles 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 Pillsbury | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMVX Grand Forks, ND | 31 mi northeast | 1,900 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KABR Aberdeen, SD | 125 mi south-southwest | 13,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 143 mi west | 16,800 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 Pillsbury
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 87 tornadoes within 25 miles of Pillsbury, 16 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F3 on June 21, 1971, which passed about 12 miles north-northeast of town. The most recent was an EF1 on August 8, 2025, which touched down about 24 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 294 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 35 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on July 17, 2001.
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 Pillsbury'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.
Pillsbury radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Pillsbury, ND?
KMVX (Grand Forks, ND), about 31 miles northeast. KABR (Aberdeen, SD) is 125 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Pillsbury?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Pillsbury the lowest scan from KMVX is about 1,900 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Pillsbury 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 Pillsbury, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Valley City, ND radar 22 mi
- Mayville, ND radar 30 mi
- Casselton, ND radar 35 mi
- Hillsboro, ND radar 37 mi
- Mapleton, ND radar 41 mi
- Jamestown, ND radar 47 mi
- West Fargo, ND radar 48 mi
- Larimore, ND radar 49 mi
- Thompson, ND radar 51 mi
- Fargo, ND radar 51 mi