Weather & Climate in Bowdon, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Bowdon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 33.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,811 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.9°F |
| 24% below US avg | |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,811 ft (552 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 668/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.4685°N, 99.7089°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wells County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL) 58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Very Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
283 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 38 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Aug 11, 2002 | EF4 | 65 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 | EF4 | 76 km | 48.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 18, 2001 | EF3 | 97 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1958 | EF3 | 52 km | 10.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 | EF3 | 14 km | 1.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 | EF2 | 100 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 | EF2 | 84 km | 3.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 | EF2 | 88 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 | EF2 | 72 km | 3.3 mi | 0 |
| May 19, 2004 | EF2 | 97 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 60 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 58 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 17, 2001 | EF2 | 38 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 | EF2 | 95 km | 15.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 | EF2 | 73 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF2 | 52 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 1982 | EF2 | 92 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1976 | EF2 | 95 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 | EF2 | 99 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 14, 1974 | EF2 | 93 km | 11.3 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: CHICAGOLAKE (4,606 acres, 1994).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1994 | CHICAGOLAKE | 4,606 | 53 km |
| 2008 | GRADER | 1,745 | 42 km |
| 2006 | BROWN WF | 1,430 | 77 km |
| 1985 | CHASE LAKE | 1,215 | 55 km |
| 2018 | EAST JIM LAKE | 1,214 | 73 km |
| 2006 | RICE LAKE 1 | 1,150 | 70 km |
| 2017 | NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 | 1,148 | 69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°F (-12°C) | 0.4 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 14°F (-10°C) | 0.4 in | |
| March | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.5 in | |
| April | 41°F (5°C) | 0.9 in | |
| May | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 in | |
| June | 64°F (18°C) | 3.2 in | Wettest |
| July | 69°F (20°C) | 2.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 67°F (20°C) | 2.0 in | |
| September | 59°F (15°C) | 2.1 in | |
| October | 44°F (7°C) | 1.1 in | |
| November | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.6 in | |
| December | 15°F (-10°C) | 0.5 in |
Bowdon has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.4").