Mesa, WA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Mesa, Franklin County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Mesa?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged high winds on 91 days in the Lower Columbia Basin of Washington forecast zone and Franklin County — the most common reported hazard around Mesa, mostly in February and November. Next come wildfires (25 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (24 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| High winds | 91 | Mar 2026 | Dec 17, 2012 · $560,000 damage |
| Wildfires | 25 | Sep 2020 | Jun 25, 2005 · $46,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 24 | Dec 2022 | Feb 4, 2019 · 1 death |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 17 | Aug 2020 | May 30, 2020 · 1 death |
| Dust storms | 16 | Aug 2025 | Oct 10, 2015 · 1 death |
| Excessive heat | 14 | Jul 2024 | Jul 12, 2024 · 3 deaths |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 7 | Dec 2022 | — |
| Ice storms & sleet | 6 | Dec 2017 | Dec 8, 2011 · 1 death |
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 Lower Columbia Basin of Washington forecast zone and Franklin County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Mesa?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KPDT (Pendleton, OR), about 61 miles south. 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 Mesa | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPDT Pendleton, OR | 61 mi south | 4,700 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 100 mi northeast | 9,600 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KATX Seattle/Tacoma, WA | 198 mi northwest | 28,800 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 Mesa
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 4 tornadoes within 25 miles of Mesa. Most came in April and July. The strongest was an F1 on April 23, 1983, which passed about 2 miles southeast of town. The most recent was an EF0 on March 31, 2020, which touched down about 21 miles southwest of town.
Hail: 3 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 1 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on July 16, 1955.
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 Mesa'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.
Mesa radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Mesa, WA?
KPDT (Pendleton, OR), about 61 miles south. KOTX (Spokane, WA) is 100 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Mesa?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Mesa the lowest scan from KPDT is about 4,700 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Mesa 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 Mesa, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Connell, WA radar 10 mi
- Othello, WA radar 19 mi
- Pasco, WA radar 22 mi
- Richland, WA radar 24 mi
- West Richland, WA radar 26 mi
- Kennewick, WA radar 27 mi
- Warden, WA radar 27 mi
- Benton City, WA radar 31 mi
- Royal City, WA radar 37 mi
- Moses Lake, WA radar 40 mi