Burns, OR Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Burns, Harney County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Burns?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 38 days in the Harney County forecast zone and Harney County — the most common reported hazard around Burns, mostly in December and January. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (15 days) and high winds (13 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 38 | Dec 2024 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 15 | Jul 2025 | Aug 4, 2021 · $1.0 million damage |
| High winds | 13 | Mar 2025 | — |
| Flooding | 8 | Apr 2025 | Mar 25, 2025 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 3 | Sep 2013 | — |
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 Harney County forecast zone and Harney County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Burns?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KCBX (Boise, ID), about 142 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 Burns | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KCBX Boise, ID | 142 mi east | 16,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KPDT Pendleton, OR | 146 mi north | 17,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMAX Medford, OR | 213 mi west-southwest | 32,400 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 Burns
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 4 tornadoes within 25 miles of Burns. Most came in August and September. The strongest was an EF0 on June 27, 2023, which touched down about 11 miles west of town.
Hail: 1 report of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-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 Burns'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.
Burns radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Burns, OR?
KCBX (Boise, ID), about 142 miles east. KPDT (Pendleton, OR) is 146 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Burns?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Burns the lowest scan from KCBX is about 16,600 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Burns 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 Burns, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Hines, OR radar 2 mi
- John Day, OR radar 58 mi