University Heights, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for University Heights, Johnson County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits University Heights?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 91 days in the Johnson forecast zone and Johnson County — the most common reported hazard around University Heights, mostly in July and May. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (87 days) and flash flooding (36 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 91 | Jun 2026 | May 29, 2011 · 1 death · $10,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 87 | Nov 2025 | Jan 5, 2005 · $10,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 36 | Jun 2026 | Aug 11, 2016 · $1.5 million damage |
| Flooding | 24 | Oct 2018 | Jun 1, 2008 · $230 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 15 | Jan 2019 | Jan 29, 2019 · 1 death |
| High winds | 14 | Feb 2026 | May 24, 1996 · $500,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 10 | Dec 2024 | Jan 10, 2023 · 2 deaths |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 10 | Oct 2015 | Apr 13, 2006 · $515,000 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 Johnson forecast zone and Johnson County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does University Heights get?
A normal year brings about 28 inches of snow to University Heights, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Iowa City weather station 4.2 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (7.6 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 | 1.1 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 7.5 | 3.2 | 0.5 | 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 University Heights?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 51 miles east. 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 University Heights | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 51 mi east | 3,600 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 112 mi west | 11,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 151 mi north | 18,400 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 University Heights
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 125 tornadoes within 25 miles of University Heights, 33 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F4 on June 7, 1984, which passed about 16 miles west-southwest of town and caused 3 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on June 25, 2024, which touched down about 17 miles north of town.
Hail: 348 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 32 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on May 31, 1971.
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 University Heights'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.
University Heights radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to University Heights, IA?
KDVN (Quad Cities, IA), about 51 miles east. KDMX (Des Moines, IA) is 112 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in University Heights?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over University Heights the lowest scan from KDVN is about 3,600 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for University Heights 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 University Heights, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Riverside, IA radar 12 mi
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