Wishek, ND Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Wishek, McIntosh County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Wishek?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 57 days in the McIntosh forecast zone and McIntosh County — the most common reported hazard around Wishek, mostly in March and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (54 days) and blizzards (42 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 57 | Apr 2026 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 54 | Jun 2026 | Sep 23, 2007 · $700,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 42 | Apr 2023 | Jan 25, 2010 · $2.3 million damage |
| High winds | 39 | Mar 2026 | Feb 13, 2011 · $20,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 28 | Feb 2025 | Jan 26, 1996 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 3 | Apr 2009 | Mar 6, 2009 · $94,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Dec 2023 | Dec 25, 2023 · $750,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 2 | Jul 2011 | — |
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 McIntosh forecast zone and McIntosh County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Wishek?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KBIS (Bismarck, ND), about 67 miles west-northwest. 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 Wishek | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 67 mi west-northwest | 5,400 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KABR Aberdeen, SD | 78 mi southeast | 6,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KMVX Grand Forks, ND | 137 mi northeast | 15,700 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 Wishek
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 41 tornadoes within 25 miles of Wishek, 7 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and June. The strongest was an F3 on July 31, 1966, which passed about 18 miles south-southeast of town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on June 2, 2024, which touched down about 12 miles north-northwest of town.
Hail: 180 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 28 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.50-inch hail on August 26, 2007.
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 Wishek'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.
Wishek radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Wishek, ND?
KBIS (Bismarck, ND), about 67 miles west-northwest. KABR (Aberdeen, SD) is 78 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Wishek?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Wishek the lowest scan from KBIS is about 5,400 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Wishek 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 Wishek, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Linton, ND radar 32 mi
- Ellendale, ND radar 52 mi
- Jamestown, ND radar 61 mi