McGrath, MN Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for McGrath, Aitkin County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits McGrath?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 85 days in the South Aitkin forecast zone and Aitkin County — the most common reported hazard around McGrath, mostly in July and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (71 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (26 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 85 | Jun 2026 | Jun 23, 2025 · $20,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 71 | Apr 2026 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 26 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 13 | May 2013 | Apr 6, 2001 · $675,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 9 | Aug 2020 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 5 | Jan 2010 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 3 | Aug 2025 | Aug 8, 2025 · $10,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 2 | Jul 2016 | — |
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 South Aitkin forecast zone and Aitkin County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does McGrath get?
A normal year brings about 43 inches of snow to McGrath, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Isle 12N weather station 12.1 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (10.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | 4.9 | 8.4 | 10.1 | 7.2 | 8.6 | 2.4 | 0.4 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover McGrath?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDLH (Duluth, MN), about 65 miles 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 McGrath | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDLH Duluth, MN | 65 mi northeast | 5,100 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 97 mi south | 9,200 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 196 mi south-southeast | 28,200 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 McGrath
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 24 tornadoes within 25 miles of McGrath, 5 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F3 on September 18, 1997, which passed about 22 miles west-southwest of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF1 on June 12, 2024, which passed about 24 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 127 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 15 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 5.00-inch hail on June 13, 1956.
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 McGrath'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.
McGrath radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to McGrath, MN?
KDLH (Duluth, MN), about 65 miles northeast. KMPX (Minneapolis, MN) is 97 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in McGrath?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over McGrath the lowest scan from KDLH is about 5,100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for McGrath 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 McGrath, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Sandstone, MN radar 21 mi
- Hinckley, MN radar 23 mi
- Mora, MN radar 25 mi
- Aitkin, MN radar 28 mi
- Moose Lake, MN radar 28 mi
- Pine City, MN radar 31 mi
- Braham, MN radar 36 mi
- Crosby, MN radar 36 mi
- Rock Creek, MN radar 38 mi
- Milaca, MN radar 38 mi