Severe Thunderstorms in the Central U.S.; Upper Level Low Over California

Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible today across central and eastern Minnesota, Iowa, and western Wisconsin. A few tornadoes, isolated very large hail, and damaging winds may occur. An upper level low will help trigger scattered thunderstorms over portions of central and southern California today along with a few inches of snow in the central Sierra Nevadas. Read More >

RADAR

Satellite

Link to Pan and Zoom RADAR Imagery

Latest RADAR imagery (KMAX--Mt Ashland)

KBHX--Eureka, CA

KBBX -- Beale AFB, CA

KRTX--Portland, OR

Click to enlarge national RADAR image

Pan/Zoom RADAR

Slower loading but features more detail and capabilities.

Helpful hints when viewing this "lite" RADAR imagery

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Ground Clutter:

Image is what it can look like when there is no precipitation but significant ground clutter. The grey and green areas won't move much.

Actual Precipitation:

Image below shows precipitation in the area. Green areas change/move like you'd expect with areas of rain/snow.

	Geocolor Good for viewing smoke, general cloud cover, snowpack Can use daytime or nighttime Faster loading/less detailed image here.
	Infrared with Lightning Good indicator for height of clouds Colder/higher cloud tops are blue Can use daytime or nighttime Lightning "flashes" indicate include in-cloud, cloud to cloud, or cloud to ground flashes.
	Fire Temperature Good indicator for wildfire location and movement Brighter reds indicate hotter fires
	Day Cloud Phase Distinction Helps determine if clouds include ice or not Clouds transitioning from white shades to green and yellow shades indicate stronger showers
	Water Vapor Imagery Used for tracking winds and moisture in the middle troposphere, as low as around 18,000 feet, or 500mb. Surface features are usually not apparent in this band.