Waco Weather Radar

Waco Live Weather

Waco Live Weather Radar

Click to toggle between the Waco cloud cover radar map and the Waco precipitation radar map.

Waco Hourly Weather Forecast

Waco 7-Day Weather Forecast

Waco Weather Overview

Waco sits along the Brazos River in Central Texas, halfway between Dallas and Austin on I-35. The humid-subtropical climate brings hot summers, mild winters, and 34.16 inches of rain per year. Waco weather radar is essential in McLennan County, where conditions shift fast. The NWS Fort Worth office (WFO FWD) monitors this region, and Waco weather radar picks up alerts covering the entire Brazos Valley.

Tornadoes are the biggest threat in the Waco area. McLennan County averages about 3 tornadoes per year. On May 11, 1953, an F5 tornado struck downtown Waco, killing 114 people and destroying over 600 homes — still one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history. That disaster directly spurred development of modern tornado warning systems. An EF-2 tornado hit Waco on Christmas Day 2015 with 135 mph winds. Waco weather radar tracks these storm cells and gives residents time to shelter.

Brazos River flooding is another serious risk. In May 2015 the river crested at 31.2 feet, well above its 28-foot flood stage. Waco weather radar shows incoming rain bands over the watershed so you can gauge flood potential. Extreme heat is a factor too — Waco hit 112°F in 2018. Check the Waco weather radar before heading out during summer months, when afternoon thunderstorms form quickly across Central Texas.

Waco Weather Risks & Safety

Key weather hazards to monitor on the Waco weather radar

Tornado Risk

Tornadoes hit Waco hardest in spring and early summer, when warm Gulf air slams into cooler northern fronts. Supercell thunderstorms can spin up EF2+ tornadoes with very little lead time. On radar, rotation signatures inside storm cells give you a few critical minutes to reach shelter. Waco averages several tornado warnings per year — know where your safe room or interior closet is before you need it.

Severe Thunderstorm Risk

Severe thunderstorms roll through Waco regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for Waco, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.

Flooding & Flash Flood Risk

Flash flooding is Waco's most persistent weather hazard. Slow-moving thunderstorms or tropical moisture can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems within hours — especially in paved urban areas where water has nowhere to go. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.

Extreme Heat Risk

Summers in Waco get dangerously hot — heat indices regularly push past 100°F, and heat waves can last for weeks. When the radar shows clear skies with no storm activity for days, that usually means the heat is building. Outdoor workers, elderly residents, and anyone without reliable AC are most at risk. Stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and check on neighbors who might be struggling.

How to Use Waco Weather Radar

Follow these steps to get the most from the Waco weather radar data.

Open the Waco weather radar page

Go to the Waco weather radar map above. The radar centers on McLennan County and loads current precipitation data for the Brazos Valley. Zoom out to see storms approaching from the west along I-35.

Watch for tornado and severe storm signatures

Use the animated radar loop to track storm cells moving through Central Texas. Waco averages about 3 tornadoes per year in McLennan County, so watch for rotation signatures during spring and early summer.

Check the hourly and 7-day forecast

Scroll down to the Waco forecast section for hourly temperature, wind, and precipitation data. During Brazos River flood events, monitor rainfall totals closely to anticipate rising water levels.

Set up a monitoring routine

Bookmark this Waco weather radar page and check it before heading out on I-35 or to Cameron Park. During severe weather season from March through June, check the radar multiple times daily.

Who Benefits from Waco Weather Radar

How different people use the Waco radar data

Commuters & Drivers

Drivers on the I-35 corridor between Dallas and Austin use Waco weather radar to spot storms before they hit.

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Hikers at Cameron Park and Brazos River trail users check radar to avoid sudden thunderstorms and flash floods.

Event Planners & Families

Fans heading to McLane Stadium at Baylor University track storm movement before kickoff with Waco weather radar.

Outdoor Workers

Construction crews and agricultural workers across McLennan County rely on Waco weather radar for daily planning.

Waco Weather FAQ

Common questions about Waco weather patterns and radar

What NWS office issues weather alerts for Waco?

The NWS Fort Worth/Dallas office, known as WFO FWD, covers Waco and McLennan County. WFO FWD issues tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, and flood advisories for the entire Brazos Valley region. Alerts appear on the Waco weather radar page shortly after they are issued by the NWS. You can also monitor the NWS FWD website directly for detailed forecast discussions.

How often does Waco get tornadoes?

McLennan County averages about 3 tornadoes per year. The deadliest tornado in Texas history struck downtown Waco on May 11, 1953 — an F5 that killed 114 people and destroyed over 600 homes. Tornado season peaks from March through June, though the Christmas Day EF-2 tornado in 2015 proved they can strike any time of year. Use Waco weather radar to track storm cells during severe weather.

Does Waco weather radar show Brazos River flood conditions?

The radar map shows real-time precipitation intensity over the Brazos River watershed, which helps you gauge flood risk. In May 2015, the Brazos River crested at 31.2 feet — well above the 28-foot flood stage — flooding hundreds of homes in McLennan County. Waco weather radar tracks incoming rain bands so you can estimate when heavy rainfall will reach the river basin.

How is this Waco weather radar different from KWTX or KXXV radar?

KWTX and KXXV provide solid local weather coverage with experienced meteorologists who explain what radar data means. This page focuses on a different use case: a clean, ad-free radar map with no video pre-rolls or pop-ups. You get the Waco weather radar data directly — precipitation, storm movement, and forecasts — without waiting through commercial breaks or loading heavy web pages.

When is severe weather season in Waco, Texas?

Severe weather season in Waco runs primarily from March through June, when warm Gulf moisture collides with cold fronts from the north. This combination produces supercell thunderstorms capable of large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. A secondary severe weather window occurs in October and November. Check the Waco weather radar frequently during these months, especially when the NWS Fort Worth office issues convective outlooks.

What was the worst weather disaster in Waco history?

The May 11, 1953 F5 tornado remains the worst weather disaster in Waco history and one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history. It killed 114 people, injured 597, and caused $41.2 million in damage — about $768 million in today's dollars. That event directly led to the development of modern tornado warning systems and weather radar networks. Waco weather radar exists in part because of lessons learned from that disaster.