Gallup, NM Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Gallup, McKinley County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Gallup?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged flash flooding on 42 days in the West Central Plateau forecast zone and McKinley County — the most common reported hazard around Gallup, mostly in July and August. Next come high winds (32 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (19 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash flooding | 42 | Sep 2025 | Jul 11, 2008 · 3 deaths · $40,000 damage |
| High winds | 32 | Jun 2026 | Apr 22, 2022 · $25,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 19 | Jun 2026 | Dec 15, 2021 · $150,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 7 | Jan 2024 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 2 | Jan 2025 | Dec 27, 1997 · 1 death |
| Dust storms | 1 | Apr 2022 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 1 | Aug 1997 | — |
| Flooding | 1 | Sep 2013 | Sep 13, 2013 · $100,000 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 West Central Plateau forecast zone and McKinley County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Gallup get?
A normal year brings about 21 inches of snow to Gallup, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Gallup Sand & Gravel weather station 2.5 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (5.7 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 | 1.6 | 5.2 | 4.5 | 5.7 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.5 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Gallup?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KABX (Albuquerque, NM), about 111 miles east-southeast. 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 Gallup | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KABX Albuquerque, NM | 111 mi east-southeast | 11,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KFSX Flagstaff, AZ | 153 mi west-southwest | 18,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KHDX Holloman AFB, NM | 225 mi southeast | 35,800 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 Gallup
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 1 tornado within 25 miles of Gallup.
Hail: 3 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-inch hail on September 1, 2018.
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 Gallup'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.
Gallup radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Gallup, NM?
KABX (Albuquerque, NM), about 111 miles east-southeast. KFSX (Flagstaff, AZ) is 153 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Gallup?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Gallup the lowest scan from KABX is about 11,300 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Gallup 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 Gallup, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Milan, NM radar 53 mi
- Grants, NM radar 57 mi