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Weather & Climate in Alta, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Alta experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,516 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.1°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,516 ft (462 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,170/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6717°N, 95.3045°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buena Vista County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD) 57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 53.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.7.
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 24 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
595 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 161 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Oct 4, 2013 | EF4 | 76 km | 24.7 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF4 | 37 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 75 km | 36.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF4 | 58 km | 14.9 mi | 3 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF4 | 96 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 | EF4 | 94 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 80 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 92 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 | EF4 | 65 km | 9.9 mi | 1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 | EF4 | 45 km | 24.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 | EF3 | 63 km | 10.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 22 km | 29.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 72 km | 3.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 35 km | 10.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 34 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 | EF3 | 99 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 | EF3 | 90 km | 1.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 | EF3 | 73 km | 7.7 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 | EF3 | 55 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1979 | EF3 | 75 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 acres, 2008).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°F (-8°C) | 0.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 22°F (-5°C) | 0.7 in | |
| March | 34°F (1°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 3.1 in | |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 3.9 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 4.6 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 4.1 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 3.5 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.3 in | |
| November | 34°F (1°C) | 1.5 in | |
| December | 20°F (-7°C) | 0.8 in |
Alta has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.5").