Indian Wells, AZ Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Indian Wells, Navajo County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Indian Wells?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged flash flooding on 95 days in the Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264 forecast zone and Navajo County — the most common reported hazard around Indian Wells, mostly in July and August. Next come flooding (25 days) and high winds (24 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash flooding | 95 | Sep 2025 | Aug 11, 2022 · $30,000 damage |
| Flooding | 25 | Oct 2025 | Mar 22, 2023 · 1 death |
| High winds | 24 | Feb 2026 | Mar 31, 1999 · $2,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 21 | Sep 2025 | Apr 23, 1997 · $6,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 14 | Apr 2025 | — |
| Dust storms | 11 | Apr 2014 | — |
| Wildfires | 6 | Jul 2003 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 5 | Jul 2013 | Jul 19, 2013 · 1 death |
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 Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264 forecast zone and Navajo County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Indian Wells?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KFSX (Flagstaff, AZ), about 84 miles southwest. 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 Indian Wells | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KFSX Flagstaff, AZ | 84 mi southwest | 7,400 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KIWA Phoenix, AZ | 171 mi south-southwest | 22,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KABX Albuquerque, NM | 186 mi east | 26,000 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 Indian Wells
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 4 tornadoes within 25 miles of Indian Wells. Most came in October and June. The strongest was an EF0 on July 15, 2025, which touched down about 9 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 4 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 1 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.00-inch hail on September 15, 2011.
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 Indian Wells'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.
Indian Wells radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Indian Wells, AZ?
KFSX (Flagstaff, AZ), about 84 miles southwest. KIWA (Phoenix, AZ) is 171 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Indian Wells?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Indian Wells the lowest scan from KFSX is about 7,400 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Indian Wells 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 Indian Wells, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Winslow, AZ radar 43 mi
- Snowflake, AZ radar 61 mi