Nikolai, AK Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Nikolai, Yukon-Koyukuk County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Nikolai?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 2 days in the Upper Kuskokwim Valley forecast zone and Yukon-Koyukuk County — the most common reported hazard around Nikolai, mostly in November and December. Next come ice storms & sleet (1 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 2 | Dec 2025 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 1 | Jan 2025 | — |
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 Upper Kuskokwim Valley forecast zone and Yukon-Koyukuk County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Nikolai?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is PAHG (Kenai, AK), about 186 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 Nikolai | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAHG Kenai, AK | 186 mi south-southeast | 25,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| PAPD Pedro Dome, AK | 251 mi northeast | 43,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| PABC Bethel, AK | 289 mi west-southwest | 54,900 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 Nikolai
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Nikolai since 1950.
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 Nikolai'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.
Nikolai radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Nikolai, AK?
PAHG (Kenai, AK), about 186 miles south-southeast. PAPD (Pedro Dome, AK) is 251 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Nikolai?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Nikolai the lowest scan from PAHG is about 25,900 ft up — limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms.
Is TALON's radar for Nikolai 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 Nikolai, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.