Ray, ND Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Ray, Williams County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Ray?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 66 days in the Williams forecast zone and Williams County — the most common reported hazard around Ray, mostly in July and June. Next come high winds (55 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (54 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 66 | Jun 2026 | Sep 3, 2014 · $1.5 million damage |
| High winds | 55 | May 2026 | Jan 13, 2021 · $50,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 54 | Feb 2026 | Jan 1, 1999 · 2 deaths |
| Blizzards | 31 | Dec 2025 | Apr 23, 2022 · $15 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 31 | Feb 2025 | Feb 1, 2011 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 8 | Jun 2014 | Mar 17, 2003 · $300,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 3 | Jul 2010 | Jul 29, 2010 · $25,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 3 | Jun 2021 | Jun 10, 2021 · $800,000 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 Williams forecast zone and Williams County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Ray get?
A normal year brings about 44 inches of snow to Ray, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Tioga 1E weather station 12.5 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (10.4 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 | 7.5 | 10.4 | 8.0 | 4.4 | 6.1 | 3.6 | 0.1 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Ray?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMBX (Minot AFB, ND), about 106 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 Ray | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMBX Minot AFB, ND | 106 mi east | 10,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 156 mi southeast | 19,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KGGW Glasgow, MT | 159 mi west | 20,000 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 Ray
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 24 tornadoes within 25 miles of Ray, 3 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and June. The strongest was an F3 on July 11, 1974, which touched down about 15 miles east of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on September 12, 2025, which touched down about 5 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 132 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 8 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on July 20, 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 Ray'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.
Ray radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Ray, ND?
KMBX (Minot AFB, ND), about 106 miles east. KBIS (Bismarck, ND) is 156 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Ray?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Ray the lowest scan from KMBX is about 10,500 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Ray 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 Ray, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Tioga, ND radar 11 mi
- Williston, ND radar 24 mi
- Stanley, ND radar 36 mi
- Watford City, ND radar 37 mi
- New Town, ND radar 40 mi
- Crosby, ND radar 41 mi