Cathay, ND

Full City Profile · North Dakota · Wells County County

2.3 /5.0
C Fair
22 Population 122/sq mi density
41°F Avg Temperature
C
Overall
2.3 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Education
2.3 / 5.0
16.7% bachelor's degree or higher
Cathay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.3 inches. The area receives 33.5 inches of snow annually.

Temperature

10°F Jan (-12°C) 69°F Jul (20°C)
Annual Average40.9°F
24% below US avg
January Average10°F (-12°C)
July Average69°F (20°C)

Geography

Elevation1,582 ft (482 m)
Area0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²)
Population Density122/sq mi
Coordinates47.5539°N, 99.4113°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyWells County County
Nearest AirportDevils Lake Regional (DVL)
45 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 20.3"
47% below US avg
Snowfall 33.5"
Wettest Month (Jun) 3.52"
Driest Month (Feb) 0.53"

Air Quality

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score8.6 / 100
Social Vulnerability44.6 / 100
Community Resilience95.6 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Very Low
Earthquake Very Low
Wildfire Very Low
Flood Very Low
Hail Relatively Low
Strong Wind Very Low
Heat Wave Very Low
Winter Weather Relatively Moderate
Lightning Very Low
Ice Storm Relatively Low
Drought Relatively Low
Cold Wave Relatively Moderate
Landslide Very Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Tornado History

317 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 38 injuries.

Date Rating Distance Fatalities
Aug 11, 2002 EF4 68 km 0
Jul 1, 1952 EF4 99 km 1
Jul 18, 2001 EF3 73 km 0
Aug 23, 1968 EF3 85 km 0
May 30, 1958 EF3 51 km 0
Jul 16, 1957 EF3 97 km 0
Jun 15, 1952 EF3 20 km 0
Jul 4, 2018 EF2 60 km 0
Jun 9, 2017 EF2 82 km 0
Aug 3, 2016 EF2 48 km 0
May 19, 2004 EF2 74 km 0
Aug 8, 2001 EF2 49 km 0
Aug 8, 2001 EF2 51 km 0
Jul 17, 2001 EF2 51 km 0
Jun 3, 1999 EF2 89 km 0
Jun 15, 1986 EF2 93 km 0
May 30, 1985 EF2 76 km 0
Jun 12, 1976 EF2 73 km 0
Aug 14, 1974 EF2 78 km 0
Jul 11, 1974 EF2 21 km 0
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)

Wildfire History

8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: CHICAGOLAKE (4,606 ac, 1994).

Year Name Acres Distance
1994 CHICAGOLAKE 4,606 58 km
2008 GRADER 1,745 32 km
2006 BROWN WF 1,430 55 km
1985 CHASE LAKE 1,215 61 km
2018 EAST JIM LAKE 1,214 59 km
1985 LAKE ALICE 1,214 89 km
2006 RICE LAKE 1 1,150 92 km
2017 NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 1,148 55 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 10°F (-12°C) 0.8 in Coldest
February 14°F (-10°C) 0.5 in Driest
March 26°F (-3°C) 0.8 in
April 41°F (5°C) 1.2 in
May 54°F (12°C) 2.8 in
June 64°F (18°C) 3.5 in Wettest
July 69°F (20°C) 3.3 in Warmest
August 67°F (20°C) 2.4 in
September 59°F (15°C) 2.1 in
October 44°F (7°C) 1.7 in
November 27°F (-3°C) 0.7 in
December 15°F (-10°C) 0.6 in

Cathay has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.5").

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