Hesston, KS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Hesston, Harvey County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Hesston?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 101 days in the Harvey forecast zone and Harvey County — the most common reported hazard around Hesston, mostly in June and August. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (39 days) and high winds (27 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 101 | Jun 2026 | May 8, 2009 · $178,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 39 | Jan 2026 | Feb 3, 2014 · 1 death · $250,000 damage |
| High winds | 27 | Mar 2026 | Nov 15, 1996 · $35,000 damage |
| Flooding | 16 | Jun 2023 | Nov 1, 1998 · 1 death · $1.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 14 | Jun 2021 | Jun 8, 2005 · $1.5 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 11 | Aug 2011 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 7 | May 2005 | Aug 22, 1997 · $200,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Feb 2018 | Dec 10, 2007 · $3.7 million 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 Harvey forecast zone and Harvey County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Hesston get?
A normal year brings about 12 inches of snow to Hesston, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Hesston weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually February (3.4 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.8 | 3.1 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 1.2 | 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 Hesston?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KICT (Wichita, KS), about 34 miles south. 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 Hesston | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KICT Wichita, KS | 34 mi south | 2,100 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KTWX Topeka, KS | 88 mi northeast | 7,900 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KVNX Vance AFB, OK | 104 mi south-southwest | 10,200 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 Hesston
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 139 tornadoes within 25 miles of Hesston, 26 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F5 on March 13, 1990, which crossed near town and caused 1 death. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on April 30, 2024, which touched down about 13 miles southwest of town.
Hail: 659 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 70 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.25-inch hail on June 9, 2011.
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 Hesston'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.
Hesston radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Hesston, KS?
KICT (Wichita, KS), about 34 miles south. KTWX (Topeka, KS) is 88 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Hesston?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Hesston the lowest scan from KICT is about 2,100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Hesston 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 Hesston, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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- Sedgwick, KS radar 15 mi
- Buhler, KS radar 19 mi
- Hillsboro, KS radar 19 mi
- Inman, KS radar 20 mi
- McPherson, KS radar 20 mi
- Valley Center, KS radar 21 mi