Wisconsin Dells, WI Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Wisconsin Dells, Columbia County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Wisconsin Dells?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 111 days in the Columbia forecast zone and Columbia County — the most common reported hazard around Wisconsin Dells, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (61 days) and flooding (45 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 111 | Jun 2026 | May 31, 1998 · $3.8 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 61 | Nov 2025 | Dec 1, 2007 · 3 deaths |
| Flooding | 45 | Apr 2026 | Jun 1, 2004 · $24 million damage |
| Excessive heat | 40 | Jun 2026 | Jul 2, 2012 · 2 deaths |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 38 | Jan 2026 | Feb 4, 2016 · 1 death |
| Flash flooding | 22 | Jul 2024 | Jun 8, 2008 · $56 million damage |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 10 | Aug 2018 | Jun 26, 2002 · $100,000 damage |
| Blizzards | 6 | Mar 2026 | Feb 1, 2011 · $10,000 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 Columbia forecast zone and Columbia County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Wisconsin Dells get?
A normal year brings about 41 inches of snow to Wisconsin Dells, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Wisconsin Dells weather station 2.1 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (11.5 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 | 2.0 | 8.7 | 11.5 | 10.2 | 5.9 | 2.0 | 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 Wisconsin Dells?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KARX (La Crosse, WI), about 72 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 Wisconsin Dells | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KARX La Crosse, WI | 72 mi west | 5,900 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KMKX Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI | 77 mi southeast | 6,500 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
| KGRB Green Bay, WI | 102 mi northeast | 9,900 ft | Fair — the beam can pass over shallow snow and low-level rotation |
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 Wisconsin Dells
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 90 tornadoes within 25 miles of Wisconsin Dells, 19 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in June and August. The strongest was an F3 on August 16, 1963, which passed about 24 miles south of town. The most recent was an EF0 on July 16, 2025, which touched down about 15 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 209 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 11 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 4.25-inch hail on June 6, 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 Wisconsin Dells'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.
Wisconsin Dells radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Wisconsin Dells, WI?
KARX (La Crosse, WI), about 72 miles west. KMKX (Milwaukee/Sullivan, WI) is 77 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Wisconsin Dells?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Wisconsin Dells the lowest scan from KARX is about 5,900 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Lake Delton, WI radar 3 mi
- West Baraboo, WI radar 11 mi
- Baraboo, WI radar 12 mi
- Reedsburg, WI radar 13 mi
- Portage, WI radar 17 mi
- Mauston, WI radar 19 mi
- Adams, WI radar 22 mi
- Westfield, WI radar 22 mi
- Prairie du Sac, WI radar 24 mi
- Montello, WI radar 25 mi