Big Delta, AK Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Big Delta, Southeast Fairbanks County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Big Delta?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 6 days in the Delta Junction forecast zone and Southeast Fairbanks County — the most common reported hazard around Big Delta, mostly in January and April.
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 6 | May 2026 | Apr 16, 2025 · $5,000 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 Delta Junction forecast zone and Southeast Fairbanks County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Big Delta get?
A normal year brings about 43 inches of snow to Big Delta, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Delta 6 N weather station 2.8 miles away. The snowiest month is usually November (8.9 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.4 | 8.9 | 6.8 | 6.2 | 4.7 | 3.6 | 2.5 | 1.2 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Big Delta?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is PAPD (Pedro Dome, AK), about 80 miles 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 Big Delta | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAPD Pedro Dome, AK | 80 mi northwest | 6,900 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| PAHG Kenai, AK | 298 mi southwest | 58,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| PAIH Middleton Island, AK | 326 mi south | 68,100 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 Big Delta
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Big Delta since 1950.
Hail: 1 report of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.50-inch hail on June 22, 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 Big Delta'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.
Big Delta radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Big Delta, AK?
PAPD (Pedro Dome, AK), about 80 miles northwest. PAHG (Kenai, AK) is 298 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Big Delta?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Big Delta the lowest scan from PAPD is about 6,900 ft up — fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation.
Is TALON's radar for Big Delta 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 Big Delta, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.