Vadnais Heights, MN Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Vadnais Heights, Ramsey County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Vadnais Heights?
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 Vadnais Heights, 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 Vadnais Heights get?
A normal year brings about 40 inches of snow to Vadnais Heights, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the U Of Mn St Paul weather station 7.2 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 Vadnais Heights?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMPX (Minneapolis, MN), about 28 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 Vadnais Heights | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 28 mi west-southwest | 1,700 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 126 mi southeast | 13,700 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDLH Duluth, MN | 130 mi north-northeast | 14,400 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 Vadnais Heights
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 108 tornadoes within 25 miles of Vadnais Heights, 25 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and May. The strongest was an F4 on May 6, 1965, which passed about 6 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: 887 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 99 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on May 1, 2001.
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 Vadnais Heights'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.
Vadnais Heights radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Vadnais Heights, MN?
KMPX (Minneapolis, MN), about 28 miles west-southwest. KARX (La Crosse, WI) is 126 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Vadnais Heights?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Vadnais Heights the lowest scan from KMPX is about 1,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Vadnais Heights 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 Vadnais Heights, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.