Dawson, PA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Dawson, Fayette County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Dawson?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 197 days in the Fayette forecast zone and Fayette County — the most common reported hazard around Dawson, mostly in June and July. Next come flash flooding (77 days) and flooding (29 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 197 | Jun 2026 | Oct 6, 2024 · $1.0 million damage |
| Flash flooding | 77 | Jun 2026 | Aug 23, 2014 · 1 death · $20,000 damage |
| Flooding | 29 | Apr 2024 | Jun 17, 2016 · $350,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 12 | Jan 2026 | — |
| High winds | 6 | Jan 2024 | Jan 9, 2024 · $500,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 5 | Jan 2026 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 3 | Dec 2016 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 2 | May 1998 | Aug 17, 1997 · $20,000 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 Fayette forecast zone and Fayette County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Dawson get?
A normal year brings about 24 inches of snow to Dawson, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Connellsville 2 Ssw weather station 4.7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (9.5 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | 0.4 | 3.7 | 9.5 | 7.4 | 3.2 | 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 Dawson?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KPBZ (Pittsburgh, PA), about 45 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 Dawson | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPBZ Pittsburgh, PA | 45 mi northwest | 3,100 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KCCX State College, PA | 106 mi northeast | 10,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KLWX Sterling, MD | 137 mi east-southeast | 15,800 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 Dawson
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 60 tornadoes within 25 miles of Dawson, 17 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and May. The strongest was an F4 on June 2, 1998, which passed about 23 miles east of town. The most recent was an EF1 on May 21, 2025, which passed about 23 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 226 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 12 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on July 20, 1983.
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 Dawson'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.
Dawson radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Dawson, PA?
KPBZ (Pittsburgh, PA), about 45 miles northwest. KCCX (State College, PA) is 106 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Dawson?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Dawson the lowest scan from KPBZ is about 3,100 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Dawson 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 Dawson, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.