Red Mesa, AZ Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Red Mesa, Apache County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Red Mesa?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged flash flooding on 73 days in the Chinle Valley forecast zone and Apache County — the most common reported hazard around Red Mesa, mostly in July and August. Next come dust storms (23 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (21 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash flooding | 73 | Aug 2024 | Sep 14, 2013 · $100,000 damage |
| Dust storms | 23 | May 2021 | — |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 21 | Jan 2026 | Jan 12, 1997 · 1 death |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 16 | Sep 2025 | Jul 30, 2012 · $4,000 damage |
| Flooding | 9 | Oct 2025 | — |
| High winds | 8 | Dec 2021 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 5 | Sep 2013 | Sep 20, 2013 · 1 death |
| Wildfires | 2 | May 2002 | — |
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 Chinle Valley forecast zone and Apache County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Red Mesa?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KGJX (Grand Junction, CO), about 158 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 Red Mesa | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KGJX Grand Junction, CO | 158 mi north-northeast | 19,700 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KABX Albuquerque, NM | 190 mi southeast | 26,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KFSX Flagstaff, AZ | 195 mi south-southwest | 27,900 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 Red Mesa
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 1 tornado within 25 miles of Red Mesa. The strongest was an EF0 on June 6, 2015, which touched down about 22 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 6 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-inch hail on October 6, 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 Red Mesa'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.
Red Mesa radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Red Mesa, AZ?
KGJX (Grand Junction, CO), about 158 miles north-northeast. KABX (Albuquerque, NM) is 190 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Red Mesa?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Red Mesa the lowest scan from KGJX is about 19,700 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Red Mesa 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 Red Mesa, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.