Weather & Climate in Alvarado, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Alvarado has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 4°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 66°F. Annual precipitation totals 22.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 813 feet.
Temperature
4°F Jan (-16°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 39.1°F |
| 28% below US avg | |
| January Average | 4°F (-16°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 813 ft (248 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,610/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.1929°N, 96.9985°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Forks International (GFK) 19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| 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)
Tornado History
420 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 49 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 76 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 | EF4 | 70 km | 5.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 6, 1999 | EF4 | 73 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 | EF3 | 79 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 87 km | 15.0 mi | 1 |
| Aug 26, 2007 | EF3 | 84 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| May 19, 2004 | EF3 | 81 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 | EF3 | 92 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 | EF3 | 36 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 | EF2 | 87 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 | EF2 | 97 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 | EF2 | 90 km | 11.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 | EF2 | 66 km | 22.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 28, 2016 | EF2 | 89 km | 9.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 27, 2015 | EF2 | 60 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 19, 2014 | EF2 | 74 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 21, 2014 | EF2 | 56 km | 37.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 10, 2010 | EF2 | 59 km | 0.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF2 | 40 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 | EF2 | 53 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: JUNEBERRY 3 (29,455 acres, 2011).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2011 | JUNEBERRY 3 | 29,455 | 94 km |
| 1990 | UNNAMED | 26,345 | 84 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 22,262 | 96 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 21,954 | 96 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 17,778 | 80 km |
| 2003 | CARIBOU | 16,184 | 96 km |
| 2021 | OXCART | 12,538 | 75 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 11,927 | 93 km |
| 2003 | UNNAMED | 11,544 | 92 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 10,819 | 75 km |
| 2018 | NORTH COUNTY ROAD 7 | 9,471 | 91 km |
| 2000 | UNNAMED | 9,194 | 93 km |
| 2006 | UNNAMED | 6,964 | 83 km |
| 2000 | UNNAMED | 6,057 | 80 km |
| 1985 | UNNAMED | 5,891 | 93 km |
| 1990 | UNNAMED | 5,817 | 98 km |
| 2024 | AGASSIZ NWR PROJECT RX | 5,562 | 80 km |
| 2008 | UNNAMED | 4,932 | 76 km |
| 2008 | UNNAMED | 4,724 | 93 km |
| 2012 | COUNTY 27 FIRE | 4,653 | 52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°F (-16°C) | 0.7 in | Coldest |
| February | 7°F (-14°C) | 0.6 in | Driest |
| March | 22°F (-5°C) | 0.9 in | |
| April | 40°F (5°C) | 1.2 in | |
| May | 55°F (13°C) | 3.0 in | |
| June | 65°F (18°C) | 4.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 70°F (21°C) | 3.0 in | Warmest |
| August | 68°F (20°C) | 3.0 in | |
| September | 58°F (14°C) | 2.7 in | |
| October | 43°F (6°C) | 2.0 in | |
| November | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.0 in | |
| December | 12°F (-11°C) | 0.9 in |
Alvarado has a seasonal temperature swing of 66°F / from 4°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (0.6").