Caldwell, KS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Caldwell, Sumner County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Caldwell?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 169 days in the Sumner forecast zone and Sumner County — the most common reported hazard around Caldwell, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (34 days) and flooding (30 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 169 | Jun 2026 | Apr 28, 1996 · $7.0 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 34 | Jan 2026 | Feb 8, 2011 · $65,000 damage |
| Flooding | 30 | Jul 2020 | Sep 13, 2008 · 1 death · $10,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 25 | Jun 2026 | May 8, 2019 · $2.1 million damage |
| High winds | 14 | Mar 2026 | Jun 10, 2020 · $6,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 12 | Aug 2011 | Jul 15, 2011 · 1 death |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Jan 2017 | — |
| Blizzards | 2 | Feb 2013 | Mar 27, 2009 · $50,000 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 Sumner forecast zone and Sumner County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Caldwell get?
A normal year brings about 9.9 inches of snow to Caldwell, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Caldwell weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually December (3.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.3 | 3.1 | 2.2 | 2.5 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 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 Caldwell?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KVNX (Vance AFB, OK), about 35 miles southwest. 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 Caldwell | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KVNX Vance AFB, OK | 35 mi southwest | 2,200 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KICT Wichita, KS | 44 mi north-northeast | 3,000 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KTLX Oklahoma City, OK | 119 mi south | 12,600 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 Caldwell
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 157 tornadoes within 25 miles of Caldwell, 32 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F5 on May 25, 1955, which passed about 12 miles east-southeast of town and caused 20 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on June 3, 2025, which touched down about 11 miles south-southwest of town.
Hail: 592 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 66 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on June 19, 1980.
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 Caldwell'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.
Caldwell radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Caldwell, KS?
KVNX (Vance AFB, OK), about 35 miles southwest. KICT (Wichita, KS) is 44 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Caldwell?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Caldwell the lowest scan from KVNX is about 2,200 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Caldwell 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 Caldwell, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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