Forest Lake, MN Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Forest Lake, Washington County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Forest Lake?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 98 days in the Washington forecast zone and Washington County — the most common reported hazard around Forest Lake, mostly in March and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (81 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (19 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 98 | Mar 2026 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 81 | Aug 2025 | May 30, 1998 · $14 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 19 | Jan 2026 | Dec 23, 2022 · 1 death |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Aug 2023 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 10 | Aug 2021 | Jul 21, 2009 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 8 | Jul 2016 | — |
| High winds | 7 | Oct 2010 | — |
| Flooding | 5 | Oct 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 Washington forecast zone and Washington County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Forest Lake get?
A normal year brings about 52 inches of snow to Forest Lake, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Forest Lake 5Ne weather station 6.5 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (11.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.6 | 7.4 | 11.8 | 9.6 | 9.3 | 9.2 | 3.7 | 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 Forest Lake?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMPX (Minneapolis, MN), about 40 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 Forest Lake | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 40 mi southwest | 2,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KDLH Duluth, MN | 115 mi north-northeast | 12,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 132 mi southeast | 14,800 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 Forest Lake
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 93 tornadoes within 25 miles of Forest Lake, 21 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and August. The strongest was an F4 on May 6, 1965, which passed about 8 miles southwest of town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on August 29, 2024, which passed about 16 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 632 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 69 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.25-inch hail on June 20, 2007.
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 Forest Lake'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.
Forest Lake radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Forest Lake, MN?
KMPX (Minneapolis, MN), about 40 miles southwest. KDLH (Duluth, MN) is 115 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Forest Lake?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Forest Lake the lowest scan from KMPX is about 2,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
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