Delano, CA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Delano, Kern County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Delano?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged river or areal flooding on 120 days in the Delano-Wasco-Shafter forecast zone and Kern County — the most common reported hazard around Delano, mostly in January and March. Next come flash flooding (72 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (38 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flooding | 120 | Jan 2026 | Jan 2, 2011 · $13 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 72 | Nov 2025 | Sep 3, 1997 · $5.0 million damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 38 | Mar 2024 | Sep 23, 2011 · $100,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 31 | Jun 2022 | Jul 18, 2015 · 1 death |
| Debris flows | 29 | Nov 2024 | Dec 26, 2019 · $100,000 damage |
| Wildfires | 25 | Aug 2003 | Jul 21, 2002 · $3.8 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 24 | Aug 2025 | — |
| High winds | 5 | May 2002 | May 20, 2002 · $25,000 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 Delano-Wasco-Shafter forecast zone and Kern County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Delano?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KHNX (San Joaquin Valley, CA), about 43 miles north-northwest. 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 Delano | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KHNX San Joaquin Valley, CA | 43 mi north-northwest | 2,900 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KVBX Vandenberg AFB, CA | 91 mi southwest | 8,300 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KVTX Los Angeles, CA | 94 mi south | 8,700 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
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 Delano
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 6 tornadoes within 25 miles of Delano. Most came in November and February. The strongest was an F1 on November 1, 1964, which touched down about 16 miles west-northwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on November 9, 2012, which touched down about 24 miles north of town.
Hail: 1 report of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.25-inch hail on January 31, 2016.
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 Delano'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.
Delano radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Delano, CA?
KHNX (San Joaquin Valley, CA), about 43 miles north-northwest. KVBX (Vandenberg AFB, CA) is 91 miles away and also covers the area.
How often does Delano flood?
Since 1996 the National Weather Service has logged river or areal flooding on 120 days in the Delano-Wasco-Shafter forecast zone and Kern County. TALON's free flash-flood risk layer shows, every 2 minutes, how close the rain that has fallen is to what it takes to flood — turn it on under Layers.
Is TALON's radar for Delano 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 Delano, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Tulare, CA radar 30 mi
- Bakersfield, CA radar 31 mi
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- Farmersville, CA radar 37 mi