Santa Rosa, AZ Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Santa Rosa, Pima County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Santa Rosa?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 426 days in the Tohono O'odham Nation including Sells forecast zone and Pima County — the most common reported hazard around Santa Rosa, mostly in July and August. Next come flash flooding (357 days) and excessive heat (105 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 426 | Jun 2026 | Jul 14, 2024 · $25 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 357 | Jun 2026 | Aug 3, 2008 · 3 deaths |
| Excessive heat | 105 | Jun 2026 | Jul 14, 2023 · 12 deaths |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 66 | Jul 2025 | Aug 14, 2014 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 37 | Jul 2025 | Sep 7, 2012 · 1 death · $20,000 damage |
| Debris flows | 8 | Jul 2022 | Jun 30, 2022 · $10,000 damage |
| Wildfires | 7 | Sep 2023 | Jun 17, 2003 · $66 million damage |
| Dust storms | 6 | Aug 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 Tohono O'odham Nation including Sells forecast zone and Pima County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Santa Rosa?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KIWA (Phoenix, AZ), about 70 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 Santa Rosa | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIWA Phoenix, AZ | 70 mi north-northeast | 5,600 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KEMX Tucson, AZ | 88 mi east-southeast | 8,000 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KYUX Yuma, AZ | 153 mi west | 18,700 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 Santa Rosa
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 1 tornado within 25 miles of Santa Rosa. The strongest was an F0 on April 4, 2004, which touched down about 19 miles south-southeast of town.
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 Santa Rosa'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.
Santa Rosa radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Santa Rosa, AZ?
KIWA (Phoenix, AZ), about 70 miles north-northeast. KEMX (Tucson, AZ) is 88 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Santa Rosa?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Santa Rosa the lowest scan from KIWA is about 5,600 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Maricopa, AZ radar 49 mi
- Coolidge, AZ radar 51 mi
- Marana, AZ radar 54 mi
- Gila Bend, AZ radar 59 mi