Why, AZ Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Why, Pima County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Why?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 426 days in the Western Pima County Including Ajo/Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument forecast zone and Pima County — the most common reported hazard around Why, mostly in July and August. Next come flash flooding (357 days) and excessive heat (71 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 | 71 | Jun 2026 | Jul 14, 2023 · 4 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 | 4 | Jul 2003 | Jun 17, 2003 · $66 million damage |
| Dust storms | 1 | 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 Western Pima County Including Ajo/Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument forecast zone and Pima County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Why?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KIWA (Phoenix, AZ), about 94 miles 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 Why | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIWA Phoenix, AZ | 94 mi northeast | 8,800 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KYUX Yuma, AZ | 114 mi west | 11,700 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KEMX Tucson, AZ | 126 mi east | 13,700 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 Why
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Why since 1950.
Hail: 1 report of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.00-inch hail on July 15, 2012.
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 Why'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.
Why radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Why, AZ?
KIWA (Phoenix, AZ), about 94 miles northeast. KYUX (Yuma, AZ) is 114 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Why?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Why the lowest scan from KIWA is about 8,800 ft up — fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation.
Is TALON's radar for Why 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 Why, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Gila Bend, AZ radar 49 mi