McLaughlin, SD Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for McLaughlin, Corson County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits McLaughlin?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 126 days in the Corson forecast zone and Corson County — the most common reported hazard around McLaughlin, mostly in July and June. Next come high winds (105 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (50 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 126 | Jun 2026 | — |
| High winds | 105 | Apr 2026 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 50 | Apr 2026 | Oct 26, 1996 · $120,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 37 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 37 | May 2025 | Jun 1, 2019 · $1.5 million damage |
| Blizzards | 36 | Dec 2022 | Jan 9, 1997 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 13 | Jun 2021 | — |
| Excessive heat | 8 | Jul 2025 | Jul 25, 2024 · $15,000 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 Corson forecast zone and Corson County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does McLaughlin get?
A normal year brings about 35 inches of snow to McLaughlin, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Mc Laughlin weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually December (10.2 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.7 | 4.0 | 10.2 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 3.7 | 2.1 | 0.2 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover McLaughlin?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KBIS (Bismarck, ND), about 66 miles north. 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 McLaughlin | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KBIS Bismarck, ND | 66 mi north | 5,200 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KABR Aberdeen, SD | 118 mi east | 12,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KUDX Rapid City, SD | 153 mi southwest | 18,700 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 McLaughlin
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 33 tornadoes within 25 miles of McLaughlin, 2 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and August. The strongest was an F2 on May 29, 1953, which touched down near town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on September 14, 2025, which touched down about 20 miles northeast of town.
Hail: 141 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 15 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on August 24, 2006.
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 McLaughlin'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.
McLaughlin radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to McLaughlin, SD?
KBIS (Bismarck, ND), about 66 miles north. KABR (Aberdeen, SD) is 118 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in McLaughlin?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over McLaughlin the lowest scan from KBIS is about 5,200 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for McLaughlin 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 McLaughlin, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Mobridge, SD radar 26 mi
- Eagle Butte, SD radar 60 mi