Palmer, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Palmer, Pocahontas County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Palmer?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 48 days in the Pocahontas forecast zone and Pocahontas County — the most common reported hazard around Palmer, mostly in January and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (47 days) and high winds (41 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 48 | Jan 2024 | Feb 24, 2007 · $250,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 47 | Jul 2025 | Jun 14, 2013 · $270,000 damage |
| High winds | 41 | Mar 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Flooding | 35 | Jun 2010 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 million damage |
| Blizzards | 33 | Mar 2025 | Dec 20, 2012 · $100,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 23 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 11 | Nov 2020 | Dec 23, 2009 · $500,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 7 | May 2023 | Jun 11, 2008 · $150,000 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 Pocahontas forecast zone and Pocahontas County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Palmer get?
A normal year brings about 39 inches of snow to Palmer, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Pocahontas weather station 7.6 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (10.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 | 3.7 | 10.3 | 9.3 | 7.4 | 5.8 | 1.9 | 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 Palmer?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 77 miles 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 Palmer | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 77 mi southeast | 6,500 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KFSD Sioux Falls, SD | 126 mi west-northwest | 13,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KOAX Omaha, NE | 128 mi southwest | 14,100 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 Palmer
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 130 tornadoes within 25 miles of Palmer, 35 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an F4 on June 28, 1979, which crossed near town and caused 3 deaths. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on June 4, 2024, which touched down about 15 miles east of town.
Hail: 345 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 42 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on August 4, 1995.
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 Palmer'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.
Palmer radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Palmer, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 77 miles southeast. KFSD (Sioux Falls, SD) is 126 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Palmer?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Palmer the lowest scan from KDMX is about 6,500 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Palmer 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 Palmer, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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