Wahpeton, ND Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Wahpeton, Richland County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Wahpeton?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 99 days in the Richland forecast zone and Richland County — the most common reported hazard around Wahpeton, mostly in July and June. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (87 days) and blizzards (79 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 99 | Jun 2026 | Jul 10, 2011 · $1.5 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 87 | Apr 2026 | Nov 27, 2005 · $2.0 million damage |
| Blizzards | 79 | Dec 2025 | Apr 5, 1997 · $6.0 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 60 | Jan 2026 | Mar 8, 2003 · $50,000 damage |
| Flooding | 34 | May 2024 | Apr 5, 1997 · $50 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 34 | Jul 2016 | Aug 12, 2008 · $330,000 damage |
| High winds | 32 | Jun 2026 | Jun 11, 2008 · $200,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 6 | Dec 2023 | — |
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 Richland forecast zone and Richland County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Wahpeton?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMVX (Grand Forks, ND), about 93 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 Wahpeton | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMVX Grand Forks, ND | 93 mi north-northwest | 8,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KABR Aberdeen, SD | 103 mi west-southwest | 10,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 177 mi east-southeast | 23,900 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 Wahpeton
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 92 tornadoes within 25 miles of Wahpeton, 13 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and July. The strongest was an F4 on July 2, 1955, which passed about 18 miles north-northwest of town and caused 2 deaths. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on September 18, 2025, which touched down about 25 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 235 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 23 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.75-inch hail on July 2, 2003.
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 Wahpeton'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.
Wahpeton radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Wahpeton, ND?
KMVX (Grand Forks, ND), about 93 miles north-northwest. KABR (Aberdeen, SD) is 103 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Wahpeton?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Wahpeton the lowest scan from KMVX is about 8,600 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Wahpeton 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 Wahpeton, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Kindred, ND radar 32 mi
- Horace, ND radar 36 mi
- Fargo, ND radar 42 mi
- West Fargo, ND radar 43 mi
- Mapleton, ND radar 48 mi
- Casselton, ND radar 52 mi
- Lisbon, ND radar 52 mi