Merlin, OR Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Merlin, Josephine County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Merlin?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged wildfire on 65 days in the Eastern Curry County and Josephine County forecast zone and Josephine County — the most common reported hazard around Merlin, mostly in September and August. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (63 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (19 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildfires | 65 | Oct 2025 | Aug 17, 2022 · 1 death |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 63 | Feb 2026 | — |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 19 | Dec 2009 | — |
| High winds | 15 | Jan 2024 | — |
| Flooding | 15 | Dec 2016 | Nov 29, 2012 · $4.0 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 13 | Jul 2024 | — |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 7 | May 2026 | May 3, 2026 · $68,000 damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 5 | Jul 2007 | Jul 11, 2007 · $60,000 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 Eastern Curry County and Josephine County forecast zone and Josephine County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Merlin?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KMAX (Medford, OR), about 48 miles southeast. 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 Merlin | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMAX Medford, OR | 48 mi southeast | 3,300 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KBHX Eureka, CA | 147 mi south-southwest | 17,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KRTX Portland, OR | 222 mi north | 34,900 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 Merlin
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Merlin since 1950.
Hail: 10 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.75-inch hail on March 13, 2011.
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 Merlin'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.
Merlin radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Merlin, OR?
KMAX (Medford, OR), about 48 miles southeast. KBHX (Eureka, CA) is 147 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Merlin?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Merlin the lowest scan from KMAX is about 3,300 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Merlin 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 Merlin, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Grants Pass, OR radar 8 mi
- Rogue River, OR radar 15 mi
- Gold Hill, OR radar 20 mi
- Cave Junction, OR radar 27 mi
- Jacksonville, OR radar 28 mi
- Central Point, OR radar 28 mi
- Canyonville, OR radar 29 mi
- Riddle, OR radar 30 mi
- Shady Cove, OR radar 32 mi
- Medford, OR radar 32 mi