Iron River, WI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Iron River, Bayfield County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Iron River?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged heavy snow or a winter storm on 166 days in the Bayfield forecast zone and Bayfield County — the most common reported hazard around Iron River, mostly in December and February. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (62 days) and extreme cold & wind chill (21 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 166 | Mar 2026 | Nov 13, 2010 · 2 deaths |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 62 | Jun 2026 | Jul 5, 1999 · 1 death |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 21 | Jan 2026 | Jan 19, 2008 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 14 | Jun 2024 | Jul 18, 2016 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 7 | Apr 2023 | Jul 12, 2016 · 1 death |
| Ice storms & sleet | 6 | Apr 2023 | — |
| Blizzards | 5 | Nov 2025 | — |
| Excessive heat | 2 | Jul 2016 | — |
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 Bayfield forecast zone and Bayfield County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Iron River?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDLH (Duluth, MN), about 42 miles west-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 Iron River | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDLH Duluth, MN | 42 mi west-northwest | 2,800 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 159 mi southwest | 19,900 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMQT Marquette, MI | 183 mi east | 25,200 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 Iron River
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 14 tornadoes within 25 miles of Iron River, 2 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and September. The strongest was an F2 on June 30, 1968, which passed about 16 miles south-southeast of town. The most recent was an EF1 on July 18, 2020, which touched down about 13 miles west of town.
Hail: 69 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 8 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.00-inch hail on August 14, 2000.
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 Iron River'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.
Iron River radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Iron River, WI?
KDLH (Duluth, MN), about 42 miles west-northwest. KMPX (Minneapolis, MN) is 159 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Iron River?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Iron River the lowest scan from KDLH is about 2,800 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Iron River 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 Iron River, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Lake Nebagamon, WI radar 16 mi
- Washburn, WI radar 25 mi
- Ashland, WI radar 25 mi
- Superior, WI radar 33 mi
- Hayward, WI radar 40 mi
- Spooner, WI radar 57 mi
- Hurley, WI radar 57 mi