Appleton Weather Radar
Appleton Live Weather
Appleton Live Weather Radar
Appleton Hourly Weather Forecast
Appleton 7-Day Weather Forecast
Appleton Weather Overview
Appleton sits on the Fox River in northeast Wisconsin, about 30 miles southwest of Green Bay, where Great Lakes weather can flip from fog to thunderstorms to wet snow in a single day. Appleton weather radar matters here because the city sits in the middle of the Fox Cities travel corridor, with I-41, downtown bridges, and airport traffic all exposed to sudden visibility drops. NWS Green Bay says much of northeast Wisconsin averages 40 to 50 inches of snow each season, so winter tracking is not optional.
Appleton weather radar is especially useful during severe weather season from late spring into summer. The NWS Outagamie County Tornado Guide lists 36 tornadoes in the county from 1950 through 2024, including the 1984 Fox Valley F4 tornado, an EF1 that crossed northern Appleton in 2013, and another EF1 that hit the southeast side in 2017. When storms organize west of town, Appleton weather radar gives a quick read on hail cores, rotation, and the timing into Grand Chute and downtown.
Flooding and temperature extremes add another layer. NWS Green Bay documented more than 2 inches of rain in about 2 hours on June 15, 2015, with 2.23 inches measured in Appleton and localized street flooding reported around the city. Appleton weather radar also helps during winter cold shots, because Appleton has reached 107°F in July 1936 and -32°F in February 1929. In a place with that kind of range, Appleton weather radar is the fastest way to see what is coming next.
Appleton Weather Risks & Safety
Winter Storm Risk
Winter storms hit Appleton when Gulf or Pacific moisture runs into cold Arctic air — the result is some combination of heavy snow, ice, and strong winds. The key thing to watch on radar is the rain-snow line: that boundary determines whether Appleton gets rain, freezing rain, or heavy snow, and it can shift by miles in an hour. When a winter storm watch goes up, stock your emergency supplies and plan to stay home.
Severe Thunderstorm Risk
Severe thunderstorms roll through Appleton regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for Appleton, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.
Tornado Risk
Tornadoes hit Appleton hardest in spring and early summer, when warm Gulf air slams into cooler northern fronts. Supercell thunderstorms can spin up EF2+ tornadoes with very little lead time. On radar, rotation signatures inside storm cells give you a few critical minutes to reach shelter. Appleton averages several tornado warnings per year — know where your safe room or interior closet is before you need it.
Flooding & Flash Flood Risk
Flash flooding is Appleton's most persistent weather hazard. Slow-moving thunderstorms or tropical moisture can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems within hours — especially in paved urban areas where water has nowhere to go. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.
How to Use Appleton Weather Radar
Check the current Appleton weather radar loop
Open the Appleton weather radar map and press play to watch snow bands, thunderstorms, and rain move across downtown, Grand Chute, and the Fox River corridor in real time.
Zoom in on Appleton roads and neighborhoods
Zoom closer before driving I-41, College Avenue, or highways through the Fox Cities so you can see where the heaviest rain, fog, or snow is already affecting travel.
Compare radar with the hourly forecast
Scroll below the map to match the Appleton weather radar with the hourly forecast, especially when storms may flip to wet snow or when evening thunderstorms approach from the west.
Recheck during alerts from NWS Green Bay
When NWS Green Bay posts a severe thunderstorm warning, winter weather advisory, or flood alert, refresh the Appleton weather radar to track the exact timing across the city.
Who Benefits from Appleton Weather Radar
Commuters & Drivers
I-41 commuters and College Avenue drivers use Appleton weather radar before fog, snow, and heavy rain hit.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Walkers on the Fox Trot Trail and runners in Memorial Park can dodge fast storm cells.
Event Planners & Families
Families heading to Fox Cities Stadium or downtown Appleton festivals can time weather breaks better.
Outdoor Workers
Airport crews, delivery drivers, and construction teams near Appleton International Airport need quick storm timing.