Weather & Climate in Arlington, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Arlington experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches. The area receives 40.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,135 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,135 ft (346 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 452/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7488°N, 91.6710°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fayette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO) 39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
547 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 404 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 23 km | 13.1 mi | 5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF4 | 61 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 47 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF4 | 83 km | 10.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 | EF4 | 66 km | 4.7 mi | 1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 | EF4 | 72 km | 80.4 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 98 km | 162.0 mi | 2 |
| Aug 7, 2021 | EF3 | 88 km | 9.4 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2008 | EF3 | 33 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 2004 | EF3 | 79 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 11, 2000 | EF3 | 69 km | 18.6 mi | 1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF3 | 17 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 | EF3 | 77 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 91 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 38 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 | EF3 | 77 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF3 | 16 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| Nov 9, 1975 | EF3 | 90 km | 39.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF3 | 51 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 | EF3 | 38 km | 0.1 mi | 1 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°F (-9°C) | 1.3 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.3 in | |
| March | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 4.2 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 5.1 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 6.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 5.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 3.7 in | |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 3.6 in | |
| October | 49°F (10°C) | 3.0 in | |
| November | 35°F (2°C) | 2.3 in | |
| December | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.6 in |
Arlington has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (6.0") and January the driest (1.3").