Watson, MN Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Watson, Chippewa County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Watson?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 76 days in the Chippewa forecast zone and Chippewa County — the most common reported hazard around Watson, mostly in March and January. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (45 days) and blizzards (41 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 76 | Mar 2026 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 45 | Aug 2025 | May 12, 2022 · $500,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 41 | Dec 2025 | Jan 12, 2009 · 1 death |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 40 | Jan 2026 | — |
| High winds | 17 | Mar 2026 | — |
| Flooding | 11 | Apr 2023 | Mar 17, 2010 · $345,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 11 | Aug 2023 | — |
| Flash flooding | 3 | Jun 2014 | Apr 7, 2001 · $300,000 damage |
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 Chippewa forecast zone and Chippewa County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Watson get?
A normal year brings about 46 inches of snow to Watson, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Montevideo 1Sw weather station 5.9 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (10.3 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 | 4.3 | 10.3 | 8.0 | 9.9 | 7.9 | 4.6 | 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 Watson?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KFSD (Sioux Falls, SD), about 108 miles south-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 Watson | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KFSD Sioux Falls, SD | 108 mi south-southwest | 10,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 110 mi east | 11,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KABR Aberdeen, SD | 131 mi west-northwest | 14,600 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 Watson
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 84 tornadoes within 25 miles of Watson, 9 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F4 on July 25, 2000, which passed about 10 miles southeast of town and caused 1 death. The most recent was an EF1 on June 28, 2025, which touched down about 23 miles west of town.
Hail: 201 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 33 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.50-inch hail on May 3, 1959.
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 Watson'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.
Watson radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Watson, MN?
KFSD (Sioux Falls, SD), about 108 miles south-southwest. KMPX (Minneapolis, MN) is 110 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Watson?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Watson the lowest scan from KFSD is about 10,900 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Watson 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 Watson, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Montevideo, MN radar 6 mi
- Dawson, MN radar 13 mi
- Appleton, MN radar 17 mi
- Granite Falls, MN radar 19 mi
- Madison, MN radar 19 mi
- Clara City, MN radar 21 mi
- Benson, MN radar 23 mi
- Cottonwood, MN radar 28 mi
- Canby, MN radar 31 mi
- Minneota, MN radar 32 mi