Weather & Climate in Bernard, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Bernard experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches. The area receives 42.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 928 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 928 ft (283 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,122/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3132°N, 90.8317°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dubuque County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ) 9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.0 / 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 | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively 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: M3.5.
| Sep 2, 1999 | 8 km W of Amboy, Illinois | M3.5 | 133 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
602 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 11 fatalities, 426 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 98 km | 13.1 mi | 5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF4 | 49 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 | EF4 | 93 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 53 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 52 km | 91.5 mi | 1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 | EF4 | 79 km | 80.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 | EF3 | 91 km | 9.4 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 2004 | EF3 | 87 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF3 | 77 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 82 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 59 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 9 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 | EF3 | 29 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF3 | 92 km | 15.5 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1988 | EF3 | 63 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1988 | EF3 | 58 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF3 | 83 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 20, 1974 | EF3 | 59 km | 10.6 mi | 1 |
| May 13, 1974 | EF3 | 79 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF3 | 57 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°F (-7°C) | 1.3 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.6 in | |
| March | 35°F (2°C) | 2.3 in | |
| April | 47°F (9°C) | 4.1 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 4.3 in | |
| June | 69°F (20°C) | 5.2 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 4.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 4.0 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 3.8 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.9 in | |
| November | 36°F (2°C) | 2.2 in | |
| December | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.8 in |
Bernard has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (1.3").