Hobbs, NM Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Hobbs, Lea County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Hobbs?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 133 days in the Central Lea County forecast zone and Lea County — the most common reported hazard around Hobbs, mostly in June and May. Next come flash flooding (72 days) and high winds (28 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 133 | Jun 2026 | May 31, 2024 · $2.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 72 | Jun 2026 | Aug 1, 2002 · $125,000 damage |
| High winds | 28 | Feb 2026 | Apr 15, 2003 · $125,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 8 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 5 | Jul 2025 | Aug 9, 2009 · $4,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 4 | Nov 2015 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 3 | May 2013 | Aug 8, 1996 · 2 deaths |
| Wildfires | 2 | Mar 2006 | Jan 1, 2006 · $710,000 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 Central Lea County forecast zone and Lea County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Hobbs get?
A normal year brings about 1.8 inches of snow to Hobbs, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Hobbs weather station 1.7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (0.9 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 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 Hobbs?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMAF (Midland/Odessa, TX), about 79 miles 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 Hobbs | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMAF Midland/Odessa, TX | 79 mi southeast | 6,700 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KLBB Lubbock, TX | 101 mi northeast | 9,700 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KFDX Cannon AFB, NM | 134 mi north | 15,200 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 Hobbs
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 71 tornadoes within 25 miles of Hobbs, 7 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an F3 on May 17, 1954, which touched down about 21 miles northwest of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on November 2, 2024, which touched down about 16 miles southwest of town.
Hail: 295 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 50 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on June 6, 2005.
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 Hobbs'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.
Hobbs radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Hobbs, NM?
KMAF (Midland/Odessa, TX), about 79 miles southeast. KLBB (Lubbock, TX) is 101 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Hobbs?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Hobbs the lowest scan from KMAF is about 6,700 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Hobbs 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 Hobbs, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Lovington, NM radar 18 mi
- Eunice, NM radar 20 mi
- Jal, NM radar 42 mi