Melrose, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Melrose, Monroe County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Melrose?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 43 days in the Monroe forecast zone and Monroe County — the most common reported hazard around Melrose, mostly in January and February. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (40 days) and flooding (35 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 43 | Feb 2025 | Oct 26, 1997 · $3.2 million damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 40 | Jun 2025 | Jul 28, 2015 · $110,000 damage |
| Flooding | 35 | May 2024 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 million damage |
| High winds | 22 | Mar 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 20 | Jul 2024 | May 28, 2013 · $500,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 16 | Dec 2024 | Jan 20, 2010 · $100,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 15 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 10 | Jan 2024 | Dec 20, 2012 · $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 Monroe forecast zone and Monroe County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Melrose get?
A normal year brings about 24 inches of snow to Melrose, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Chariton 1 E weather station 12.2 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 Melrose?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 63 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 Melrose | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 63 mi north-northwest | 4,800 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 135 mi east-northeast | 15,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KEAX Kansas City, MO | 163 mi south-southwest | 20,800 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 Melrose
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 86 tornadoes within 25 miles of Melrose, 25 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F4 on June 7, 1984, which passed about 2 miles southeast of town and caused 3 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on May 7, 2024, which passed about 19 miles north of town.
Hail: 273 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 Melrose'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.
Melrose radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Melrose, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 63 miles north-northwest. KDVN (Quad Cities, IA) is 135 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Melrose?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Melrose the lowest scan from KDMX is about 4,800 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Melrose 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 Melrose, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Chariton, IA radar 14 mi
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