What should you know about Hickory's weather?
- NWS office
- Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP)
- Climate
- Humid subtropical
- Time zone
- EST/EDT
- Elevation
- 1,162 ft
- Coordinates
- 35.73° N, 81.34° W
- Nearest radar
- KGSP · Greer NEXRAD · 77 mi
- County
- Catawba County, NC
- Yearly rain
- 47.2 in
- Warmest month
- July · 77.7°F average
- Coldest month
- January · 39.7°F average
- Severe storm peak
- May to Jul
How much rain does Hickory get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 49.1 | 53.2 | 60.7 | 70.0 | 77.4 | 84.3 | 87.4 | 85.7 | 79.8 | 70.2 | 59.9 | 51.5 |
| Low °F | 30.2 | 32.8 | 39.5 | 47.7 | 56.2 | 64.4 | 68.1 | 67.0 | 60.9 | 48.9 | 38.7 | 32.8 |
| Rain (in) | 3.81 | 3.21 | 4.08 | 4.08 | 3.86 | 4.35 | 4.29 | 4.58 | 3.93 | 3.49 | 3.62 | 3.85 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 49.1 | 30.2 | 3.81 |
| Feb | 53.2 | 32.8 | 3.21 |
| Mar | 60.7 | 39.5 | 4.08 |
| Apr | 70.0 | 47.7 | 4.08 |
| May | 77.4 | 56.2 | 3.86 |
| Jun | 84.3 | 64.4 | 4.35 |
| Jul | 87.4 | 68.1 | 4.29 |
| Aug | 85.7 | 67.0 | 4.58 |
| Sep | 79.8 | 60.9 | 3.93 |
| Oct | 70.2 | 48.9 | 3.49 |
| Nov | 59.9 | 38.7 | 3.62 |
| Dec | 51.5 | 32.8 | 3.85 |
HICKORY FAA AP, NC US · 2 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
What does the airport tornado teach us about reading Hickory weather radar?
A line of rain can contain a damaging tornado, as the storm documented in Hickory’s fire department risk assessment demonstrates. That tornado began at Hickory Regional Airport in Burke County and crossed into Catawba County near Highway 321. The report describes widespread tree damage with trees falling on homes and vehicles. Track the entire approaching line and act on tornado warnings without waiting to recognize a tornado shape in the rain display.
Which Hickory creeks deserve attention during persistent rain?
Snow Creek, Falling Creek and Horseford Creek are among the waterways where the fire department identifies higher flood risk. Its assessment also names Barger Branch, Lyle Creek and Herman Branch and their tributaries. When echoes repeatedly cross one of these drainage areas, check upstream rain as well as the cell over your destination. A clear patch on the loop does not establish that a low crossing has drained.
Why do tropical systems still matter this far inland?
Hickory can face heavy rain and high winds from a tropical system even when its direct coastal effects are far away. The city’s fire department identifies those secondary hazards and notes that fallen trees or power lines can delay emergency responses. Use a wide radar view to follow approaching rain bands, then compare them with the forecast wind gusts. Plan for access problems before the loop shows the heaviest rain overhead.
What can radar miss during a Hickory cold spell?
Radar cannot show frozen pipes or the damage that appears when they thaw. Hickory’s fire department has documented widespread pipe freezing followed by water-flow alarms and flooding calls after a thaw. At the local airport, January’s normal low is 30.2°F, so an ordinary winter climate includes freezing mornings. Check the temperature forecast even after precipitation has ended, especially when cold persists into the next day.
When should you check the Hickory radar?
Peak severe storm months
May to JulyAbout 69% of Catawba County's 1996 to 2025 severe reports occur in these months. At Hickory City Park, use the loop to spot growing cells before starting an outdoor activity.
Atlantic tropical peak
Mid-August to mid-OctoberBefore an outing at Rotary-Geitner Park, compare the regional rain animation with the hourly forecast when tropical moisture is expected. Gaps between bands are useful for timing but do not promise a dry afternoon.
What else do people ask about the Hickory radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Hickory?
NWS Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) issues forecasts and warnings for Hickory. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KGSP, about 77 miles from the city center.
How often does the radar on this page update?
The radar loop on this page updates every 5 minutes.
Is this page an official warning service?
No. It shows radar and forecasts only. For warnings, follow NWS Greenville-Spartanburg and local emergency alerts.
Quick facts
- Radar: KGSP (Greer NEXRAD), a new frame every 5 minutes
- Forecasts and warnings: NWS Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP)
- Severe storms peak from May to July (NOAA Storm Events, 1996 to 2025)
- Local time: EST/EDT
- Radar: KGSP, a new frame every 5 minutes
- Warnings: NWS Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP)
- Severe storms: May to July
- Local time: EST/EDT
Where does this data come from?
- NOAA NEXRAD radar via Iowa Environmental Mesonet
- National Weather Service, Greenville-Spartanburg office
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020: HICKORY FAA AP, NC US
- NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996 to 2025
- USGS Elevation Point Query Service
- GOES-East satellite imagery
- Open-Meteo forecast API
- OpenStreetMap contributors
- City of Hickory Fire Department: Community risk assessment
- City of Hickory: City park hours and locations
- National Hurricane Center: Tropical cyclone climatology