Columbus, NM Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Columbus, Luna County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Columbus?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 31 days in the Southwest Desert/Mimbres Basin forecast zone and Luna County — the most common reported hazard around Columbus, mostly in July and June. Next come flash flooding (29 days) and dust storms (22 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 31 | Jun 2026 | Jul 18, 2008 · $70,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 29 | Jul 2025 | Jul 12, 2008 · $400,000 damage |
| Dust storms | 22 | Feb 2026 | Apr 17, 2025 · 1 death |
| High winds | 17 | Apr 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 6 | Sep 2020 | Aug 29, 2006 · $50,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 3 | Feb 2020 | — |
| Excessive heat | 1 | Jul 2023 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 1 | Jan 2025 | — |
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 Southwest Desert/Mimbres Basin forecast zone and Luna County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Columbus?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KEPZ (El Paso, TX), about 56 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 Columbus | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEPZ El Paso, TX | 56 mi east | 4,100 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KHDX Holloman AFB, NM | 124 mi northeast | 13,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KEMX Tucson, AZ | 175 mi west | 23,500 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 Columbus
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 3 tornadoes within 25 miles of Columbus. Most came in August and July. The strongest was an F1 on August 9, 1971, which touched down about 25 miles north-northwest of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on October 8, 2019, which touched down about 15 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 5 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.00-inch hail on May 18, 2016.
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 Columbus'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.
Columbus radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Columbus, NM?
KEPZ (El Paso, TX), about 56 miles east. KHDX (Holloman AFB, NM) is 124 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Columbus?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Columbus the lowest scan from KEPZ is about 4,100 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Columbus 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 Columbus, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Deming, NM radar 31 mi
- Mesilla, NM radar 58 mi
- Las Cruces, NM radar 61 mi
- Sunland Park, NM radar 61 mi