Topawa, AZ Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Topawa, Pima County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Topawa?
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 Topawa, 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 Topawa?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KEMX (Tucson, AZ), about 71 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 Topawa | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEMX Tucson, AZ | 71 mi east | 5,800 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KIWA Phoenix, AZ | 103 mi north | 10,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KYUX Yuma, AZ | 172 mi west-northwest | 22,700 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 Topawa
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 2 tornadoes within 25 miles of Topawa. The strongest was an F0 on June 17, 1974, which touched down about 24 miles east of town. The most recent was an F0 on April 4, 2004, which touched down about 20 miles north-northwest of town.
Hail: 3 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-inch hail on September 1, 2005.
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 Topawa'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.
Topawa radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Topawa, AZ?
KEMX (Tucson, AZ), about 71 miles east. KIWA (Phoenix, AZ) is 103 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Topawa?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Topawa the lowest scan from KEMX is about 5,800 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Topawa 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 Topawa, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Tucson, AZ radar 61 mi