Olds, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Olds, Henry County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Olds?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 70 days in the Henry forecast zone and Henry County — the most common reported hazard around Olds, mostly in June and May. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (66 days) and flash flooding (14 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 70 | Apr 2026 | May 10, 2003 · $500,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 66 | Nov 2025 | — |
| Flash flooding | 14 | Jul 2017 | Sep 13, 2008 · $250,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 12 | Jan 2019 | — |
| Flooding | 10 | Jun 2019 | Jun 23, 2000 · 1 death |
| High winds | 9 | Dec 2021 | Apr 6, 1997 · $100,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 9 | Dec 2024 | Feb 24, 2007 · $129,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 5 | Aug 2013 | — |
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 Henry forecast zone and Henry County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Olds get?
A normal year brings about 25 inches of snow to Olds, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Mt Pleasant 1 Ssw weather station 12.9 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (7.2 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.5 | 6.1 | 7.2 | 7.1 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 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 Olds?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 60 miles 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 Olds | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 60 mi northeast | 4,500 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 120 mi west-northwest | 12,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KILX Lincoln, IL | 134 mi east-southeast | 15,200 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 Olds
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 91 tornadoes within 25 miles of Olds, 28 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F3 on April 16, 1967, which passed about 22 miles southwest of town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on August 11, 2025, which touched down about 23 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 228 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 21 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on April 21, 1973.
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 Olds'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.
Olds radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Olds, IA?
KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 60 miles northeast. KDMX (Des Moines, IA) is 120 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Olds?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Olds the lowest scan from KDVN is about 4,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Olds 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 Olds, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Winfield, IA radar 6 mi
- Mount Pleasant, IA radar 12 mi
- Columbus Junction, IA radar 14 mi
- Washington, IA radar 14 mi
- New London, IA radar 16 mi
- Wapello, IA radar 19 mi
- Mediapolis, IA radar 22 mi
- Fairfield, IA radar 24 mi
- Riverside, IA radar 24 mi
- Lone Tree, IA radar 25 mi