Sauk Rapids, MN Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Sauk Rapids, Benton County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Sauk Rapids?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 84 days in the Benton forecast zone and Benton County — the most common reported hazard around Sauk Rapids, mostly in February and March. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (34 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (28 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 84 | Dec 2025 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 34 | Jun 2025 | Jul 1, 2011 · $1.5 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 28 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Excessive heat | 10 | Aug 2023 | — |
| High winds | 6 | Oct 2010 | — |
| Flooding | 6 | Mar 2010 | — |
| Flash flooding | 6 | Aug 2016 | Apr 7, 2001 · $3.0 million damage |
| Blizzards | 2 | Dec 2020 | Jan 17, 1996 · 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 Benton forecast zone and Benton County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Sauk Rapids get?
A normal year brings about 48 inches of snow to Sauk Rapids, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the St Cloud Rgnl Ap weather station 6.1 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (9.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 6.9 | 9.3 | 8.8 | 8.9 | 8.2 | 4.7 | 0.1 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Sauk Rapids?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMPX (Minneapolis, MN), about 59 miles south-southeast. 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 Sauk Rapids | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 59 mi south-southeast | 4,500 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KDLH Duluth, MN | 126 mi northeast | 13,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KFSD Sioux Falls, SD | 188 mi southwest | 26,300 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 Sauk Rapids
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 67 tornadoes within 25 miles of Sauk Rapids, 14 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F3 on September 3, 1980, which crossed near town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF0 on August 28, 2021, which touched down about 20 miles west of town.
Hail: 358 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 53 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.25-inch hail on July 17, 2010.
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 Sauk Rapids'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.
Sauk Rapids radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Sauk Rapids, MN?
KMPX (Minneapolis, MN), about 59 miles south-southeast. KDLH (Duluth, MN) is 126 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Sauk Rapids?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Sauk Rapids the lowest scan from KMPX is about 4,500 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Sauk Rapids 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 Sauk Rapids, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Sartell, MN radar 3 mi
- St. Cloud, MN radar 5 mi
- Waite Park, MN radar 7 mi
- St. Joseph, MN radar 8 mi
- St. Augusta, MN radar 10 mi
- Rockville, MN radar 12 mi
- Rice, MN radar 12 mi
- Foley, MN radar 13 mi
- Clearwater, MN radar 14 mi
- Avon, MN radar 14 mi