Ackley, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Ackley, Hardin County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Ackley?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 80 days in the Hardin forecast zone and Hardin County — the most common reported hazard around Ackley, mostly in June and August. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (51 days) and high winds (39 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 80 | Aug 2025 | Aug 9, 2009 · $1.5 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 51 | Feb 2026 | Feb 24, 2007 · $250,000 damage |
| High winds | 39 | Mar 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Flooding | 36 | Dec 2015 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 million damage |
| Blizzards | 27 | Mar 2025 | Dec 20, 2012 · $100,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 23 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 16 | May 2024 | Jun 22, 2007 · $350,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 13 | Feb 2023 | Jan 20, 2010 · $100,000 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 Hardin forecast zone and Hardin County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Ackley get?
A normal year brings about 28 inches of snow to Ackley, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Iowa Falls weather station 10.5 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (7.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 1.6 | 6.1 | 7.1 | 7.1 | 4.5 | 1.3 | 0.0 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Ackley?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 66 miles south-southwest. 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 Ackley | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 66 mi south-southwest | 5,300 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 129 mi northeast | 14,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 142 mi east-southeast | 16,700 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 Ackley
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 121 tornadoes within 25 miles of Ackley, 23 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F5 on May 15, 1968, which passed about 15 miles north-northwest of town and caused 13 deaths. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on August 18, 2025, which touched down about 5 miles south-southeast of town.
Hail: 269 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 23 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on June 1, 2001.
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 Ackley'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.
Ackley radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Ackley, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 66 miles south-southwest. KARX (La Crosse, WI) is 129 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Ackley?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Ackley the lowest scan from KDMX is about 5,300 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Ackley 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 Ackley, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Aplington, IA radar 9 mi
- Iowa Falls, IA radar 11 mi
- Eldora, IA radar 13 mi
- Parkersburg, IA radar 14 mi
- Hampton, IA radar 15 mi
- Grundy Center, IA radar 19 mi
- Dike, IA radar 23 mi
- Conrad, IA radar 24 mi
- Sheffield, IA radar 25 mi
- Clarksville, IA radar 25 mi