Kalkaska, MI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Kalkaska, Kalkaska County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Kalkaska?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 137 days in the Kalkaska forecast zone and Kalkaska County — the most common reported hazard around Kalkaska, mostly in December and January. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (30 days) and blizzards (6 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 137 | Mar 2026 | Mar 2, 2012 · $250,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 30 | Aug 2021 | Aug 2, 2015 · $540,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 6 | Dec 2022 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 5 | Jan 2026 | — |
| High winds | 4 | Dec 2021 | Dec 16, 2021 · $10,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 4 | Feb 2008 | — |
| Excessive heat | 2 | Jun 2018 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 2 | Jun 2005 | — |
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 Kalkaska forecast zone and Kalkaska County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Kalkaska get?
A normal year brings about 132 inches of snow to Kalkaska, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Kalkaska weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually January (38.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 17.1 | 29.7 | 38.3 | 24.8 | 13.7 | 6.8 | 0.7 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Kalkaska?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KAPX (Gaylord, MI), about 26 miles east-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 Kalkaska | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KAPX Gaylord, MI | 26 mi east-northeast | 1,500 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KGRR Grand Rapids, MI | 128 mi south | 14,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KGRB Green Bay, WI | 145 mi west | 17,200 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 Kalkaska
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 30 tornadoes within 25 miles of Kalkaska, 10 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and September. The strongest was an EF3 on May 20, 2022, which passed about 22 miles northeast of town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on September 22, 2025, which touched down about 17 miles north-northwest of town.
Hail: 75 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 3 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on July 8, 2016.
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 Kalkaska'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.
Kalkaska radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Kalkaska, MI?
KAPX (Gaylord, MI), about 26 miles east-northeast. KGRR (Grand Rapids, MI) is 128 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Kalkaska?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Kalkaska the lowest scan from KAPX is about 1,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Kalkaska 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 Kalkaska, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Mancelona, MI radar 13 mi
- Elk Rapids, MI radar 16 mi
- Bellaire, MI radar 17 mi
- Kingsley, MI radar 19 mi
- Traverse City, MI radar 21 mi
- Grayling, MI radar 24 mi
- Manton, MI radar 25 mi
- East Jordan, MI radar 29 mi
- Gaylord, MI radar 32 mi
- Boyne City, MI radar 34 mi