Bolivar, WV Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Bolivar, Jefferson County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Bolivar?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 134 days in the Jefferson forecast zone and Jefferson County — the most common reported hazard around Bolivar, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (64 days) and flooding (46 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 134 | Jun 2026 | May 3, 2025 · 1 death · $10,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 64 | Jan 2026 | Feb 5, 2010 · $2,000 damage |
| Flooding | 46 | May 2025 | Jan 19, 1996 · $20 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 42 | Jun 2025 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 18 | Feb 2026 | — |
| High winds | 14 | Apr 2023 | Sep 18, 2003 · $350,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 13 | Jun 2015 | Nov 29, 2005 · $150,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 8 | Feb 2016 | Jan 14, 1999 · $10,000 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 Jefferson forecast zone and Jefferson County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Bolivar?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KLWX (Sterling, MD), about 28 miles south-southeast. 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 Bolivar | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLWX Sterling, MD | 28 mi south-southeast | 1,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KCCX State College, PA | 111 mi north | 11,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDOX Dover AFB, DE | 129 mi east-southeast | 14,200 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 Bolivar
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 91 tornadoes within 25 miles of Bolivar, 12 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F2 on September 17, 2004, which touched down about 15 miles west-northwest of town. The most recent was an EF1 on August 8, 2024, which passed about 19 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 318 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 15 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.50-inch hail on April 23, 1999.
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 Bolivar'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.
Bolivar radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Bolivar, WV?
KLWX (Sterling, MD), about 28 miles south-southeast. KCCX (State College, PA) is 111 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Bolivar?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Bolivar the lowest scan from KLWX is about 1,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Bolivar 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 Bolivar, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Ranson, WV radar 7 mi
- Shepherdstown, WV radar 8 mi
- Charles Town, WV radar 8 mi
- Martinsburg, WV radar 15 mi
- Romney, WV radar 54 mi