Weather & Climate in Balta, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Balta has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. Annual precipitation totals 21.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,548 feet.
Temperature
5°F Jan (-15°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.1°F |
| 28% below US avg | |
| January Average | 5°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,548 ft (472 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 243/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.1662°N, 100.0366°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL) 52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
273 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 14 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 2008 | EF3 | 77 km | 20.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 1986 | EF3 | 95 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1958 | EF3 | 32 km | 10.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 | EF3 | 93 km | 1.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 | EF2 | 83 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 | EF2 | 24 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 | EF2 | 98 km | 3.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 | EF2 | 54 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 39 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 42 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 6, 1982 | EF2 | 79 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1976 | EF2 | 90 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 | EF2 | 83 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 | EF2 | 71 km | 11.4 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1974 | EF2 | 53 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 | EF2 | 23 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1972 | EF2 | 88 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 5, 1966 | EF2 | 85 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1965 | EF2 | 60 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1965 | EF2 | 88 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (4,371 acres, 1989).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1989 | UNNAMED | 4,371 | 79 km |
| 2000 | RED CROSS | 3,015 | 36 km |
| 2017 | NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 | 2,772 | 51 km |
| 1992 | CLARK II | 2,443 | 72 km |
| 2009 | COUNTY ROAD 17 | 2,291 | 52 km |
| 1994 | ASPEN | 1,994 | 52 km |
| 2008 | POOL 326 | 1,805 | 68 km |
| 2006 | BROWN WF | 1,430 | 83 km |
| 1985 | LAKE ALICE | 1,214 | 71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°F (-15°C) | 0.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 9°F (-13°C) | 0.5 in | |
| March | 23°F (-5°C) | 0.9 in | |
| April | 40°F (4°C) | 1.3 in | |
| May | 54°F (12°C) | 3.0 in | |
| June | 63°F (17°C) | 3.8 in | Wettest |
| July | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 in | Warmest |
| August | 68°F (20°C) | 2.2 in | |
| September | 58°F (14°C) | 1.8 in | |
| October | 43°F (6°C) | 1.4 in | |
| November | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.9 in | |
| December | 12°F (-11°C) | 1.0 in |
Balta has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 5°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.5").