Nichols, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Nichols, Muscatine County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Nichols?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 93 days in the Muscatine forecast zone and Muscatine County — the most common reported hazard around Nichols, mostly in June and May. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (77 days) and flooding (51 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 93 | May 2026 | Jun 29, 1998 · $1.5 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 77 | Nov 2025 | Jan 12, 2012 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 51 | Jul 2024 | Jun 1, 2008 · $9.1 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 27 | Jun 2026 | Jun 23, 2010 · $25,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 14 | Jan 2019 | — |
| High winds | 12 | Dec 2021 | Apr 6, 1997 · $100,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 8 | Dec 2024 | Feb 24, 2007 · $496,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 8 | Mar 2026 | — |
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 Muscatine forecast zone and Muscatine County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Nichols get?
A normal year brings about 24 inches of snow to Nichols, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Muscatine weather station 13.2 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (7.0 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2 | 0.8 | 6.2 | 7.0 | 5.8 | 2.8 | 0.7 | 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 Nichols?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 39 miles east-northeast. 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 Nichols | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 39 mi east-northeast | 2,500 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 126 mi west | 13,700 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KILX Lincoln, IL | 138 mi southeast | 15,900 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 Nichols
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 128 tornadoes within 25 miles of Nichols, 37 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F3 on May 15, 1998, which passed about 8 miles northwest of town. The most recent was an EF0 on April 20, 2025, which touched down about 25 miles southeast of town.
Hail: 329 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 31 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on June 8, 2018.
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 Nichols'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.
Nichols radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Nichols, IA?
KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 39 miles east-northeast. KDMX (Des Moines, IA) is 126 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Nichols?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Nichols the lowest scan from KDVN is about 2,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Nichols 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 Nichols, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Lone Tree, IA radar 6 mi
- West Liberty, IA radar 7 mi
- West Branch, IA radar 13 mi
- Muscatine, IA radar 13 mi
- Riverside, IA radar 14 mi
- Columbus Junction, IA radar 14 mi
- Wilton, IA radar 16 mi
- Iowa City, IA radar 17 mi
- University Heights, IA radar 18 mi
- Kalona, IA radar 20 mi