Weather & Climate in Bowdle, SD
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Bowdle has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,991 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.6°F |
| 21% below US avg | |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,991 ft (607 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 691/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4513°N, 99.6565°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Edmunds County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR) 60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.1 / 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 Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very 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: M3.7.
| May 30, 2024 | 38 km NNW of Pierre, South Dakota | M3.7 | 110 km | 15 km |
| Aug 9, 2011 | 2 km S of Fort Pierre, South Dakota | M3.3 | 137 km | 5 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 | 8 km E of Agar, South Dakota | M3.0 | 72 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
302 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 36 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 | EF4 | 7 km | 5.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 | EF4 | 99 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF3 | 24 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 | EF3 | 86 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1996 | EF3 | 92 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 | EF3 | 71 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 | EF3 | 95 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 | EF3 | 93 km | 0.3 mi | 1 |
| Jun 20, 1968 | EF3 | 45 km | 8.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 | EF3 | 30 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 | EF3 | 63 km | 26.4 mi | 2 |
| Jun 9, 1957 | EF3 | 62 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 | EF2 | 53 km | 5.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 | EF2 | 98 km | 1.6 mi | 1 |
| Jul 4, 2020 | EF2 | 71 km | 2.7 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2010 | EF2 | 51 km | 18.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 | EF2 | 22 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 2, 1983 | EF2 | 69 km | 0.2 mi | 0 |
| Sep 2, 1983 | EF2 | 83 km | 0.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 22, 1983 | EF2 | 72 km | 0.2 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: LAPLANTE (14,777 acres, 2002).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2002 | LAPLANTE | 14,777 | 82 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 14,487 | 82 km |
| 2000 | TRIBLE | 9,718 | 83 km |
| 2022 | ROHRBACH | 2,887 | 20 km |
| 2006 | 1804 | 2,778 | 53 km |
| 2011 | MOUND CITY | 2,755 | 54 km |
| 2006 | FOUR BEAR | 2,179 | 69 km |
| 2000 | FTMANUEL | 2,124 | 80 km |
| 2003 | JOEL BERTSCH 2 | 1,460 | 53 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 1,438 | 65 km |
| 2004 | ALLEN STUECKLE | 1,330 | 46 km |
| 2005 | N HYDE | 1,204 | 84 km |
| 2021 | FUZZY | 1,075 | 73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°F (-11°C) | 0.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 16°F (-9°C) | 0.7 in | |
| March | 28°F (-2°C) | 0.9 in | |
| April | 42°F (6°C) | 1.6 in | |
| May | 55°F (13°C) | 3.2 in | |
| June | 66°F (19°C) | 3.6 in | Wettest |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 2.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (20°C) | 2.4 in | |
| September | 60°F (15°C) | 2.0 in | |
| October | 45°F (7°C) | 1.8 in | |
| November | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.6 in | |
| December | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.5 in |
Bowdle has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.5").