Melcher-Dallas, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Melcher-Dallas, Marion County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Melcher-Dallas?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 93 days in the Marion forecast zone and Marion County — the most common reported hazard around Melcher-Dallas, mostly in June and May. Next come flooding (84 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (53 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 93 | Jun 2025 | Jun 21, 1997 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flooding | 84 | Jul 2024 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 53 | Feb 2025 | Oct 26, 1997 · $3.2 million damage |
| High winds | 32 | Mar 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 23 | Jul 2024 | Jun 23, 2000 · $300,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 15 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 13 | Mar 2025 | Dec 20, 2012 · $100,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 11 | Jan 2017 | 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 Marion forecast zone and Marion County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Melcher-Dallas get?
A normal year brings about 24 inches of snow to Melcher-Dallas, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Chariton 1 E weather station 14.7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (7.9 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 | 2.0 | 3.1 | 7.9 | 6.5 | 3.5 | 0.8 | 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 Melcher-Dallas?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 43 miles 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 Melcher-Dallas | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 43 mi northwest | 2,900 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 140 mi east-northeast | 16,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KOAX Omaha, NE | 162 mi west | 20,700 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 Melcher-Dallas
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 110 tornadoes within 25 miles of Melcher-Dallas, 26 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an EF4 on March 5, 2022, which passed about 25 miles north-northwest of town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on May 24, 2024, which touched down about 19 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 384 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 42 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on June 20, 2015.
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 Melcher-Dallas'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.
Melcher-Dallas radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Melcher-Dallas, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 43 miles northwest. KDVN (Quad Cities, IA) is 140 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Melcher-Dallas?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Melcher-Dallas the lowest scan from KDMX is about 2,900 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Melcher-Dallas 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 Melcher-Dallas, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Carlisle, IA radar 24 mi
- Prairie City, IA radar 25 mi
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