Fairbanks, AK Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Fairbanks, Fairbanks North Star County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Fairbanks?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 4 days in the Fairbanks Metro Area forecast zone and Fairbanks North Star County — the most common reported hazard around Fairbanks, mostly in December and February.
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 4 | Feb 2026 | — |
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 Fairbanks Metro Area forecast zone and Fairbanks North Star County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Fairbanks get?
A normal year brings about 58 inches of snow to Fairbanks, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Aurora weather station 2.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually November (13.2 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.4 | 13.2 | 10.5 | 8.7 | 9.6 | 6.1 | 2.8 | 0.2 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Fairbanks?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is PAPD (Pedro Dome, AK), about 14 miles north-northeast. 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 Fairbanks | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAPD Pedro Dome, AK | 14 mi north-northeast | 700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| PAHG Kenai, AK | 308 mi south-southwest | 61,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| PAIH Middleton Island, AK | 375 mi south | 87,500 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 Fairbanks
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Fairbanks since 1950.
Hail: 2 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.00-inch hail on June 19, 2025.
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 Fairbanks'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.
Fairbanks radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Fairbanks, AK?
PAPD (Pedro Dome, AK), about 14 miles north-northeast. PAHG (Kenai, AK) is 308 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Fairbanks?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Fairbanks the lowest scan from PAPD is about 700 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- North Pole, AK radar 10 mi