Hardy, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Hardy, Humboldt County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Hardy?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged river or areal flooding on 74 days in the Humboldt forecast zone and Humboldt County — the most common reported hazard around Hardy, mostly in June and May. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (48 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (47 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flooding | 74 | Jul 2024 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 48 | Jan 2024 | Feb 24, 2007 · $250,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 47 | Aug 2025 | Jul 17, 2010 · $300,000 damage |
| High winds | 44 | Mar 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 34 | Mar 2025 | Dec 20, 2012 · $100,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 25 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 14 | Jan 2023 | Dec 23, 2009 · $500,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 8 | Jul 2019 | Jul 9, 2000 · $200,000 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 Humboldt forecast zone and Humboldt County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Hardy?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 76 miles south-southeast. 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 Hardy | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 76 mi south-southeast | 6,400 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 143 mi north | 16,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KFSD Sioux Falls, SD | 145 mi west-northwest | 17,200 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 Hardy
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 117 tornadoes within 25 miles of Hardy, 31 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F5 on October 14, 1966, which passed about 20 miles east of town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on June 26, 2025, which touched down about 5 miles north of town.
Hail: 341 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 34 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 5.50-inch hail on August 26, 2004.
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 Hardy'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.
Hardy radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Hardy, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 76 miles south-southeast. KMPX (Minneapolis, MN) is 143 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Hardy?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Hardy the lowest scan from KDMX is about 6,400 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Hardy 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 Hardy, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Humboldt, IA radar 11 mi
- Eagle Grove, IA radar 12 mi
- Clarion, IA radar 17 mi
- Algona, IA radar 21 mi
- Fort Dodge, IA radar 22 mi
- Belmond, IA radar 23 mi
- Britt, IA radar 24 mi
- Webster City, IA radar 27 mi
- Garner, IA radar 30 mi
- Manson, IA radar 32 mi