Patterson, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Patterson, Madison County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Patterson?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 60 days in the Madison forecast zone and Madison County — the most common reported hazard around Patterson, mostly in June and May. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (50 days) and flooding (30 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 60 | Jun 2025 | Feb 25, 2000 · $200,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 50 | Feb 2025 | Oct 26, 1997 · $3.2 million damage |
| Flooding | 30 | Mar 2019 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 million damage |
| High winds | 25 | Mar 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 16 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 14 | Mar 2025 | Dec 20, 2012 · $100,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 13 | Jan 2017 | Jan 20, 2010 · $100,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 12 | Jul 2025 | Jul 28, 2015 · $650,000 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 Madison forecast zone and Madison County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Patterson get?
A normal year brings about 31 inches of snow to Patterson, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Winterset 1S weather station 7.7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (8.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 | 2.7 | 5.9 | 7.3 | 8.3 | 4.7 | 0.8 | 0.1 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Patterson?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 28 miles north-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 Patterson | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 28 mi north-northeast | 1,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KOAX Omaha, NE | 129 mi west | 14,300 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 172 mi east | 22,600 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 Patterson
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 169 tornadoes within 25 miles of Patterson, 37 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an EF4 on March 5, 2022, which crossed near town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on July 15, 2024, which passed about 20 miles northeast of town.
Hail: 783 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 73 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on July 3, 2001.
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 Patterson'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.
Patterson radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Patterson, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 28 miles north-northeast. KOAX (Omaha, NE) is 129 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Patterson?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Patterson the lowest scan from KDMX is about 1,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Patterson 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 Patterson, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Winterset, IA radar 7 mi
- Van Meter, IA radar 13 mi
- Norwalk, IA radar 13 mi
- West Des Moines, IA radar 15 mi
- Earlham, IA radar 16 mi
- Indianola, IA radar 16 mi
- Waukee, IA radar 17 mi
- Clive, IA radar 19 mi
- Adel, IA radar 19 mi
- Windsor Heights, IA radar 20 mi