University, MS Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for University, Lafayette County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits University?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 96 days in the Lafayette forecast zone and Lafayette County — the most common reported hazard around University, mostly in June and May. Next come excessive heat (88 days) and flash flooding (26 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 96 | Mar 2026 | Jul 20, 2000 · 1 death · $10,000 damage |
| Excessive heat | 88 | Jun 2026 | Aug 5, 2007 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 26 | Mar 2025 | Sep 2, 2012 · $500,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 15 | Jan 2025 | Feb 1, 1996 · $20,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 11 | Apr 2025 | Sep 2, 2012 · $250,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 8 | Feb 2026 | Jan 31, 2026 · 1 death · $3.0 million damage |
| High winds | 4 | Mar 2023 | Nov 2, 1999 · $10,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Jan 2026 | Jan 23, 2026 · 1 death · $8.0 million 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 Lafayette forecast zone and Lafayette County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does University get?
A normal year brings about 1.2 inches of snow to University, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the University weather station in town. The snowiest month is usually January (0.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 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 University?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KNQA (Memphis, TN), about 70 miles north-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 University | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNQA Memphis, TN | 70 mi north-northwest | 5,700 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KGWX Columbus AFB, MS | 76 mi east-southeast | 6,400 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KDGX Jackson, MS | 146 mi south | 17,500 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 University
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 57 tornadoes within 25 miles of University, 26 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in March and April. The strongest was an F4 on February 21, 1971, which crossed near town and caused 58 deaths. The most recent was an EF2 on April 5, 2025, which passed about 13 miles southeast of town.
Hail: 169 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 12 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 5.00-inch hail on April 10, 1962.
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 University'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.
University radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to University, MS?
KNQA (Memphis, TN), about 70 miles north-northwest. KGWX (Columbus AFB, MS) is 76 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in University?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over University the lowest scan from KNQA is about 5,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for University 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 University, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Oxford, MS radar 1 mi
- Water Valley, MS radar 15 mi
- Sardis, MS radar 22 mi
- Batesville, MS radar 22 mi
- Como, MS radar 25 mi
- Bruce, MS radar 28 mi
- Holly Springs, MS radar 29 mi
- Ecru, MS radar 29 mi
- Senatobia, MS radar 30 mi
- New Albany, MS radar 31 mi