Gem Lake, MN Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Gem Lake, Ramsey County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Gem Lake?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 86 days in the Ramsey forecast zone and Ramsey County — the most common reported hazard around Gem Lake, mostly in March and December. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (74 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (21 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 86 | Mar 2026 | Dec 10, 2010 · 1 death |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 74 | Jun 2026 | Sep 21, 2005 · $25 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 21 | Jan 2026 | Jan 15, 2009 · 2 deaths |
| Flash flooding | 17 | Jun 2025 | Sep 20, 2007 · 1 death · $200,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 15 | Aug 2023 | — |
| High winds | 10 | Mar 2026 | Oct 26, 2010 · $20,000 damage |
| Flooding | 6 | Jun 2014 | Mar 20, 2010 · $2.4 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 3 | Aug 2005 | Aug 9, 1998 · 1 death |
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 Ramsey forecast zone and Ramsey County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Gem Lake get?
A normal year brings about 40 inches of snow to Gem Lake, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the U Of Mn St Paul weather station 8.5 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 Gem Lake?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMPX (Minneapolis, MN), about 30 miles west-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 Gem Lake | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 30 mi west-southwest | 1,800 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 125 mi southeast | 13,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDLH Duluth, MN | 129 mi north-northeast | 14,300 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 Gem Lake
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 98 tornadoes within 25 miles of Gem Lake, 23 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and May. The strongest was an F4 on May 6, 1965, which passed about 7 miles northwest of town and caused 6 deaths. The most recent was an EF1 on August 29, 2024, which passed about 20 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 899 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 101 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.50-inch hail on June 19, 1988.
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 Gem 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.
Gem Lake radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Gem Lake, MN?
KMPX (Minneapolis, MN), about 30 miles west-southwest. KARX (La Crosse, WI) is 125 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Gem Lake?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Gem Lake the lowest scan from KMPX is about 1,800 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Gem 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 Gem Lake, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.