Monessen, PA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Monessen, Westmoreland County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Monessen?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 292 days in the Westmoreland forecast zone and Westmoreland County — the most common reported hazard around Monessen, mostly in July and June. Next come flash flooding (108 days) and flooding (40 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 292 | Jun 2026 | Jun 29, 2008 · 1 death · $150,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 108 | Jul 2025 | Mar 28, 2020 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 40 | Apr 2024 | Feb 4, 2022 · $50,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 14 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 11 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 11 | Aug 2024 | Jun 13, 2019 · 2 deaths |
| High winds | 10 | Mar 2026 | Jan 9, 2024 · $250,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Dec 2016 | — |
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 Westmoreland forecast zone and Westmoreland County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Monessen get?
A normal year brings about 10 inches of snow to Monessen, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Charleroi Lock 4 weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually January (3.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.5 | 3.8 | 2.7 | 2.1 | 0.0 | 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 Monessen?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KPBZ (Pittsburgh, PA), about 32 miles 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 Monessen | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPBZ Pittsburgh, PA | 32 mi northwest | 2,000 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KCCX State College, PA | 112 mi east-northeast | 11,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KCLE Cleveland, OH | 135 mi northwest | 15,400 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 Monessen
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 67 tornadoes within 25 miles of Monessen, 14 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F3 on August 3, 1963, which touched down about 12 miles north of town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on May 21, 2025, which touched down about 25 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 320 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 17 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on July 20, 1983.
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 Monessen'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.
Monessen radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Monessen, PA?
KPBZ (Pittsburgh, PA), about 32 miles northwest. KCCX (State College, PA) is 112 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Monessen?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Monessen the lowest scan from KPBZ is about 2,000 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Monessen 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 Monessen, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.