Washburn, WI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Washburn, Bayfield County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Washburn?
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 Washburn, 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.
How much snow does Washburn get?
A normal year brings about 74 inches of snow to Washburn, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Madeline Island weather station 9.5 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (18.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.7 | 6.4 | 16.4 | 18.8 | 14.1 | 11.5 | 5.3 | 0.3 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Washburn?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDLH (Duluth, MN), about 63 miles west. 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 Washburn | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDLH Duluth, MN | 63 mi west | 4,900 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KMQT Marquette, MI | 160 mi east | 20,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KMPX Minneapolis, MN | 180 mi southwest | 24,500 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 Washburn
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 10 tornadoes within 25 miles of Washburn, 1 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in July and August. The strongest was an F2 on June 30, 1968, which passed about 18 miles south-southwest of town. The most recent was an EF1 on July 18, 2020, which touched down about 16 miles south of town.
Hail: 54 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 6 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 3.00-inch hail on April 10, 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 Washburn'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.
Washburn radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Washburn, WI?
KDLH (Duluth, MN), about 63 miles west. KMQT (Marquette, MI) is 160 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Washburn?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Washburn the lowest scan from KDLH is about 4,900 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Washburn 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 Washburn, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Ashland, WI radar 7 mi
- Hurley, WI radar 37 mi
- Lake Nebagamon, WI radar 40 mi
- Hayward, WI radar 54 mi
- Park Falls, WI radar 56 mi
- Superior, WI radar 56 mi