Weather & Climate in Barstow, IL
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Barstow experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches. The area receives 36.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. 76% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 569 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 569 ft (173 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 391/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5159°N, 90.3567°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rock Island County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI) 9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 75.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively High |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively High |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.2.
| Jun 28, 2004 | 12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois | M4.2 | 122 km | 10 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 | 8 km W of Amboy, Illinois | M3.5 | 80 km | 5 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 | 2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois | M3.1 | 138 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
623 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 172 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 | EF4 | 96 km | 30.1 mi | 2 |
| Mar 29, 1981 | EF4 | 38 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 | EF4 | 94 km | 4.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 60 km | 91.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 1, 2007 | EF3 | 75 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 | EF3 | 95 km | 15.8 mi | 8 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 43 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 52 km | 22.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 94 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 | EF3 | 98 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF3 | 11 km | 15.5 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1988 | EF3 | 44 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 | EF3 | 85 km | 5.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 | EF3 | 45 km | 6.4 mi | 0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 | EF3 | 75 km | 0.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 1975 | EF3 | 93 km | 6.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 | EF3 | 52 km | 10.6 mi | 1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 | EF3 | 30 km | 48.6 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1974 | EF3 | 23 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 17, 1972 | EF3 | 78 km | 81.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 acres, 1999).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1999 | UNIT 3 | 1,206 | 76 km |
| 2002 | HSB 03 2 | 1,130 | 76 km |
| 2000 | DESTRUST A | 756 | 76 km |
| 2006 | HSB 003 | 674 | 76 km |
| 2004 | HSB 009 | 608 | 76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.7 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.8 in | |
| March | 40°F (4°C) | 2.6 in | |
| April | 51°F (11°C) | 3.8 in | |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 4.7 in | |
| June | 72°F (22°C) | 5.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 76°F (24°C) | 4.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 73°F (23°C) | 4.0 in | |
| September | 66°F (19°C) | 3.3 in | |
| October | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 in | |
| November | 40°F (5°C) | 2.3 in | |
| December | 29°F (-2°C) | 2.0 in |
Barstow has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (1.7").