Dalton, MN Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Dalton, Otter Tail County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Dalton?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 125 days in the West Otter Tail forecast zone and Otter Tail County — the most common reported hazard around Dalton, mostly in July and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (86 days) and blizzards (60 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 125 | Jun 2026 | Jun 18, 2001 · $5.0 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 86 | Apr 2026 | — |
| Blizzards | 60 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 53 | Jan 2026 | Mar 8, 2003 · $21,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 29 | Aug 2020 | Jul 4, 2010 · $300,000 damage |
| High winds | 24 | Mar 2026 | Jun 11, 2008 · $1.2 million damage |
| Flooding | 9 | Aug 2020 | May 27, 2012 · $105,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 7 | Jul 2002 | Jun 18, 2001 · $500,000 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 West Otter Tail forecast zone and Otter Tail County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Dalton?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMVX (Grand Forks, ND), about 115 miles northwest. 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 Dalton | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMVX Grand Forks, ND | 115 mi northwest | 11,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KABR Aberdeen, SD | 130 mi west-southwest | 14,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 146 mi southeast | 17,400 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 Dalton
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 90 tornadoes within 25 miles of Dalton, 15 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an EF4 on June 17, 2010, which passed about 24 miles east-southeast of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on August 21, 2025, which touched down about 25 miles southwest of town.
Hail: 216 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 35 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.75-inch hail on July 2, 2003.
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 Dalton'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.
Dalton radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Dalton, MN?
KMVX (Grand Forks, ND), about 115 miles northwest. KABR (Aberdeen, SD) is 130 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Dalton?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Dalton the lowest scan from KMVX is about 11,900 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Dalton 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 Dalton, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
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