Louisville sits on the Ohio River, which rose to catastrophic, record-setting levels during the Great Flood of 1937, when weeks of sustained heavy rain across the wider Ohio Valley inundated much of the city and displaced most of its population, a defining event that led to a massive floodwall and pump-station system still protecting the city today. Under normal conditions Louisville receives around 1,190 mm (about 47 inches) of rain a year, with a spring peak in severe thunderstorm activity. Because that historic flood showed how far conditions can exceed any seasonal average, and because the city’s flood defenses depend on active monitoring, radar tracking of approaching heavy rain remains a genuinely important tool. NWS Doppler radar KLVX (Louisville) covers the region.
Learn more: Flash Flood Warning Signs on Radar · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Louisville right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Louisville, Kentucky in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Louisville, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Louisville rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Louisville?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Kentucky are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Louisville or pass by.
Is this Louisville rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.