Sparta, MO Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Sparta, Christian County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Sparta?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 177 days in the Christian forecast zone and Christian County — the most common reported hazard around Sparta, mostly in July and June. Next come flash flooding (88 days) and flooding (37 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 177 | Jun 2026 | May 8, 2009 · $7.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 88 | Jun 2026 | Apr 29, 2017 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 37 | Jun 2026 | Jul 10, 2015 · $2.0 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 36 | Jan 2026 | Jan 1, 1999 · $150,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 9 | Aug 2012 | Aug 1, 2001 · 1 death |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 9 | Mar 2024 | Apr 11, 2016 · $300,000 damage |
| High winds | 8 | Dec 2025 | Feb 20, 2014 · $10,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 7 | Jan 2019 | Nov 24, 1996 · $400,000 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 Christian forecast zone and Christian County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Sparta get?
A normal year brings about 17 inches of snow to Sparta, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Oldfield weather station 3.8 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (5.1 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.4 | 3.8 | 5.1 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 0.1 | 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 Sparta?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KSGF (Springfield, MO), about 24 miles northwest. 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 Sparta | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSGF Springfield, MO | 24 mi northwest | 1,400 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KSRX Fort Smith, AR | 138 mi south-southwest | 15,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KEAX Kansas City, MO | 141 mi north-northwest | 16,300 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 Sparta
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 139 tornadoes within 25 miles of Sparta, 28 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and April. The strongest was an F4 on November 29, 1991, which passed about 14 miles west-northwest of town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was an EF0 on April 29, 2025, which passed about 10 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 697 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 55 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.25-inch hail on September 22, 2006.
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 Sparta'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.
Sparta radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Sparta, MO?
KSGF (Springfield, MO), about 24 miles northwest. KSRX (Fort Smith, AR) is 138 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Sparta?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Sparta the lowest scan from KSGF is about 1,400 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Sparta 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 Sparta, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Ozark, MO radar 8 mi
- Rogersville, MO radar 8 mi
- Fremont Hills, MO radar 10 mi
- Nixa, MO radar 12 mi
- Springfield, MO radar 18 mi
- Battlefield, MO radar 18 mi
- Strafford, MO radar 19 mi
- Merriam Woods, MO radar 20 mi
- Seymour, MO radar 20 mi
- Clever, MO radar 21 mi