Waco Weather Radar
Waco Live Weather
Waco Live Weather Radar
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
Tornado Risk
Severe thunderstorms near Waco can produce tornadoes, with spring and early summer often bringing the greatest concern. Radar can show rotation inside a storm, but an official tornado warning is the signal to act immediately. Move to a basement or a small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows, and keep alerts enabled during severe weather.
Severe Thunderstorm Risk
Thunderstorms near Waco may bring lightning, strong winds, hail, or heavy rain. Radar helps track precipitation position and movement, but it does not by itself confirm lightning at a location or the wind and hail conditions on the ground. Read current NWS forecasts, watches, and warnings for the expected hazards and timing. If a warning covers your location, follow its shelter instructions.
Flooding & Flash Flood Risk
Flooding can develop quickly in Waco when slow-moving thunderstorms produce intense rain. Low-lying areas and roads with poor drainage can become dangerous while rain is still falling. 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
When extreme heat is forecast for Waco, use the temperature forecast and official NWS heat alerts to plan time outdoors. Rain radar does not measure air temperature or heat exposure, and a lack of precipitation does not establish that skies are clear or that heat is increasing. Check the forecast for the hours you will be outside, allow for access to shade or cooling, and follow local heat guidance.
How to Use Waco Weather Radar
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
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.