Montpelier, VT Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Montpelier, Washington County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Montpelier?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 156 days in the Washington forecast zone and Washington County — the most common reported hazard around Montpelier, mostly in March and February. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (80 days) and flash flooding (43 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 156 | Jan 2026 | Dec 1, 1997 · 1 death · $20,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 80 | Jun 2026 | Jun 18, 2018 · $100,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 43 | May 2025 | Jul 11, 2023 · 1 death · $100 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 27 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 27 | Dec 2023 | Aug 28, 2011 · $18 million damage |
| High winds | 16 | Dec 2022 | Dec 23, 2022 · $450,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 8 | Jun 2025 | Jul 1, 2018 · 1 death |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 7 | Jul 2013 | Jun 12, 1996 · 1 death |
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 Washington forecast zone and Washington County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Montpelier get?
A normal year brings about 126 inches of snow to Montpelier, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Worcester 2 W weather station 7.5 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (28.5 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | 10.4 | 27.8 | 27.0 | 28.5 | 21.0 | 8.0 | 0.8 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Montpelier?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KCXX (Burlington, VT), about 34 miles west-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 Montpelier | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KCXX Burlington, VT | 34 mi west-northwest | 2,100 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KGYX Portland, ME | 118 mi east-southeast | 12,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KENX Albany, NY | 138 mi south-southwest | 15,900 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 Montpelier
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 3 tornadoes within 25 miles of Montpelier. Most came in May and July. The strongest was an EF1 on May 9, 2009, which touched down about 13 miles south-southeast of town. The most recent was an EF0 on August 3, 2010, which touched down about 18 miles east-northeast of town.
Hail: 93 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 4 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on July 9, 2007.
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 Montpelier'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.
Montpelier radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Montpelier, VT?
KCXX (Burlington, VT), about 34 miles west-northwest. KGYX (Portland, ME) is 118 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Montpelier?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Montpelier the lowest scan from KCXX is about 2,100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Montpelier 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 Montpelier, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Barre, VT radar 6 mi
- Morrisville, VT radar 20 mi
- Johnson, VT radar 26 mi
- Essex Junction, VT radar 31 mi
- South Burlington, VT radar 32 mi
- Winooski, VT radar 34 mi
- Vergennes, VT radar 35 mi
- Burlington, VT radar 36 mi
- St. Albans, VT radar 45 mi
- Enosburg Falls, VT radar 46 mi