Pasco, WA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Pasco, Franklin County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Pasco?
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 Pasco, 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.
How much snow does Pasco get?
A normal year brings about 2.0 inches of snow to Pasco, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Ice Harbor Dam weather station 11.7 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (1.4 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 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 Pasco?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KPDT (Pendleton, OR), about 42 miles south-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 Pasco | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPDT Pendleton, OR | 42 mi south-southeast | 2,800 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KOTX Spokane, WA | 121 mi northeast | 12,800 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KRTX Portland, OR | 188 mi west | 26,400 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 Pasco
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 5 tornadoes within 25 miles of Pasco, 1 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an F2 on June 26, 1958, which touched down about 16 miles southeast of town. The most recent was an EF0 on March 31, 2020, which touched down about 9 miles west-northwest of town.
Hail: 6 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 Pasco'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.
Pasco radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Pasco, WA?
KPDT (Pendleton, OR), about 42 miles south-southeast. KOTX (Spokane, WA) is 121 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Pasco?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Pasco the lowest scan from KPDT is about 2,800 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Pasco 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 Pasco, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Kennewick, WA radar 5 mi
- Richland, WA radar 8 mi
- West Richland, WA radar 13 mi
- Benton City, WA radar 17 mi
- Connell, WA radar 30 mi
- Prosser, WA radar 31 mi
- Grandview, WA radar 38 mi
- College Place, WA radar 38 mi
- Othello, WA radar 39 mi
- Walla Walla, WA radar 40 mi