Study Butte, TX Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Study Butte, Brewster County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Study Butte?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 75 days in the Lower Brewster County forecast zone and Brewster County — the most common reported hazard around Study Butte, mostly in June and May. Next come flash flooding (69 days) and high winds (5 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 75 | Jun 2026 | May 10, 2009 · $88,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 69 | Jun 2026 | Jul 3, 2025 · $50,000 damage |
| High winds | 5 | Apr 2025 | — |
| Excessive heat | 2 | Jun 2021 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 1 | Dec 2020 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 1 | Feb 2003 | Feb 20, 2003 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 1 | Sep 2008 | Sep 9, 2008 · $14 million 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 Lower Brewster County forecast zone and Brewster County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Study Butte?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDFX (Laughlin AFB, TX), about 197 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 Study Butte | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDFX Laughlin AFB, TX | 197 mi east | 28,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMAF Midland/Odessa, TX | 197 mi north-northeast | 28,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KSJT San Angelo, TX | 230 mi northeast | 37,000 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 Study Butte
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 5 tornadoes within 25 miles of Study Butte. Most came in June and September. The strongest was an F1 on June 16, 1958, which touched down about 2 miles southeast of town. The most recent was an F0 on June 4, 1979, which passed about 10 miles north of town.
Hail: 60 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 10 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on April 3, 2004.
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 Study Butte'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.
Study Butte radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Study Butte, TX?
KDFX (Laughlin AFB, TX), about 197 miles east. KMAF (Midland/Odessa, TX) is 197 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Study Butte?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Study Butte the lowest scan from KDFX is about 28,400 ft up — limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms.
Is TALON's radar for Study Butte 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 Study Butte, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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