Columbia Heights, MN Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Columbia Heights, Anoka County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Columbia Heights?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 85 days in the Anoka forecast zone and Anoka County — the most common reported hazard around Columbia Heights, mostly in March and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (85 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (18 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 85 | Mar 2026 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 85 | Jun 2026 | Sep 21, 2005 · $85 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 18 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flash flooding | 16 | Jun 2025 | Sep 21, 2016 · $1.0 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Aug 2023 | Aug 1, 2001 · 1 death |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 6 | Aug 2018 | Jul 5, 2016 · $25,000 damage |
| High winds | 5 | Oct 2010 | — |
| Flooding | 2 | Apr 2001 | Apr 1, 2001 · 3 deaths · $200 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 Anoka forecast zone and Anoka County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Columbia Heights get?
A normal year brings about 40 inches of snow to Columbia Heights, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the U Of Mn St Paul weather station 5.2 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (12.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 3.0 | 10.2 | 8.3 | 12.3 | 4.0 | 2.1 | 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 Columbia Heights?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMPX (Minneapolis, MN), about 21 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 Columbia Heights | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 21 mi southwest | 1,200 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 132 mi southeast | 14,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDLH Duluth, MN | 133 mi north-northeast | 15,000 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 Columbia Heights
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 104 tornadoes within 25 miles of Columbia Heights, 23 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and May. The strongest was an F4 on May 6, 1965, which crossed near town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on June 28, 2025, which passed about 21 miles southwest of town.
Hail: 997 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 115 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on May 1, 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 Columbia 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.
Columbia Heights radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Columbia Heights, MN?
KMPX (Minneapolis, MN), about 21 miles southwest. KARX (La Crosse, WI) is 132 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Columbia Heights?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Columbia Heights the lowest scan from KMPX is about 1,200 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Columbia 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 Columbia Heights, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.