Dothan Weather Radar
Dothan Live Weather
Dothan Live Weather Radar
Dothan Hourly Weather Forecast
Dothan 7-Day Weather Forecast
Dothan Weather Overview
Dothan sits in the heart of the Wiregrass region in southeastern Alabama, roughly 20 miles from the Georgia border and 16 miles north of Florida. The city's humid subtropical climate delivers long, hot summers and short, mild winters — but that warmth comes loaded with severe weather risk year-round. The Dothan weather radar is essential for anyone living or working across Houston County and the surrounding tri-state area.
Tornadoes pose the most persistent threat. Southeast Alabama sits at the southern edge of the tornado corridor, and the NWS Tallahassee office (WFO TAE) issues multiple tornado watches for the Dothan area each year. The 1932 F3 tornado leveled a rural school near Dothan, killing the teacher and seven children. A November 2022 EF-1 tracked directly through northwest Dothan with 95 mph winds. Spring, March through May, demands the closest attention to the dothan al weather radar. Tropical systems compound the risk: Hurricane Michael (2018) hit southeast Alabama with hurricane-force winds and caused roughly $1.1 billion in regional damage. When tropical remnants stall here, the Choctawhatchee and Pea Rivers flood badly — as seen with Tropical Storm Alberto in 1994.
Winters are mild but cold snaps occasionally arrive — Dothan's record low is 4°F (January 1985). Summer pushes the opposite extreme, with a record high of 105°F and heat indices exceeding 100°F in July and August. Dothan averages about 53 inches of rainfall per year per NOAA records. Check the live weather radar dothan map often — storms here develop and move fast.
Dothan Weather Risks & Safety
Tornado Risk
Tornadoes hit Dothan 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. Dothan averages several tornado warnings per year — know where your safe room or interior closet is before you need it.
Severe Thunderstorm Risk
Severe thunderstorms roll through Dothan 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 Dothan, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.
Hurricane & Tropical Storm Risk
Tropical cyclones can affect Dothan when their tracks bring strong winds and heavy rain into the area. Seasonal timing and peak activity vary by ocean basin, so follow official tropical weather outlooks and local advisories. On the radar, you can track the storm's center, rain bands, and changes in precipitation as it approaches. Keep your emergency plan current and follow local guidance when a tropical storm or hurricane threatens Dothan.
Flooding & Flash Flood Risk
Flooding can develop quickly in Dothan when slow-moving thunderstorms produce intense rain. Low-lying areas and roads with poor drainage can become dangerous while rain is still falling. 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 Dothan Weather Radar
Check Current Conditions
Look at the weather status bar at the top of the Dothan weather radar page — it shows temperature, humidity, wind speed, and current conditions across the Wiregrass region at a glance.
Watch the Radar Map
Use the animated Dothan radar map to track storm cells moving across Houston County and the tri-state area. Toggle between precipitation and cloud cover to see how storms are developing.
Monitor for Tornado Warnings
During spring severe weather season, check the doppler radar dothan map frequently. Rotating cells near US-231 or Fort Novosel can escalate quickly — the radar shows rotation signatures before warnings are issued.
Plan Around the Forecast
Check the hourly and 7-day forecast below the radar. National Peanut Festival and other outdoor events in Dothan benefit from knowing whether storm systems will clear by the afternoon.
Who Benefits from Dothan Weather Radar
Commuters & Drivers
Drivers on US-231 and Ross Clark Circle — radar shows rain and storms on your route.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Hikers at Dothan Rotary Trail and golfers at Highland Oaks — see storms 30 minutes out.
Event Planners & Families
National Peanut Festival planners — radar shows exactly when afternoon storms will arrive.
Outdoor Workers
Fort Novosel aviation crews and construction teams — check doppler before outdoor operations.