Maricopa Colony, AZ Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Maricopa Colony, Maricopa County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Maricopa Colony?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 376 days in the Buckeye/Avondale forecast zone and Maricopa County — the most common reported hazard around Maricopa Colony, mostly in August and July. Next come flash flooding (219 days) and excessive heat (96 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 376 | Nov 2025 | Jul 14, 2001 · 1 death · $5.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 219 | Nov 2025 | Mar 28, 1998 · 3 deaths |
| Excessive heat | 96 | Jun 2024 | Jul 23, 2023 · 18 deaths |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 56 | Oct 2025 | Jul 27, 1999 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 51 | Nov 2025 | Apr 1, 2023 · 2 deaths |
| Dust storms | 10 | Aug 2025 | — |
| High winds | 2 | Jun 2024 | Oct 3, 2022 · $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 Buckeye/Avondale forecast zone and Maricopa County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Maricopa Colony?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KIWA (Phoenix, AZ), about 33 miles east. 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 Maricopa Colony | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIWA Phoenix, AZ | 33 mi east | 2,000 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KFSX Flagstaff, AZ | 102 mi northeast | 10,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KEMX Tucson, AZ | 138 mi southeast | 15,800 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 Maricopa Colony
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 40 tornadoes within 25 miles of Maricopa Colony, 4 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in August and September. The strongest was an F2 on August 30, 1971, which passed about 18 miles east of town. The most recent was an EF0 on October 16, 2022, which touched down about 23 miles east-southeast of town.
Hail: 75 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 3 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on October 5, 2010.
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 Maricopa Colony'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.
Maricopa Colony radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Maricopa Colony, AZ?
KIWA (Phoenix, AZ), about 33 miles east. KFSX (Flagstaff, AZ) is 102 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Maricopa Colony?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Maricopa Colony the lowest scan from KIWA is about 2,000 ft up — excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground.
Is TALON's radar for Maricopa Colony 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 Maricopa Colony, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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