Weather & Climate in Buchanan, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Buchanan has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 46.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,555 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.3°F |
| 24% below US avg | |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,555 ft (474 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,150/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.0626°N, 98.8290°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Foster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS) 12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
349 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 21 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 2004 | EF4 | 46 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 11, 2002 | EF4 | 38 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 | EF3 | 65 km | 16.2 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 | EF3 | 74 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 | EF3 | 86 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 | EF3 | 96 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1974 | EF3 | 65 km | 17.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 | EF3 | 85 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 | EF3 | 28 km | 8.5 mi | 0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 | EF3 | 65 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 | EF3 | 52 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 | EF3 | 66 km | 1.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 | EF3 | 75 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 | EF2 | 99 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 | EF2 | 86 km | 3.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 | EF2 | 79 km | 3.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF2 | 97 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF2 | 84 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 15, 2007 | EF2 | 94 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2004 | EF2 | 88 km | 4.0 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 | 44 km |
| 2008 | GRADER | 1,745 | 39 km |
| 2006 | BROWN WF | 1,430 | 99 km |
| 1985 | CHASE LAKE | 1,215 | 48 km |
| 2018 | EAST JIM LAKE | 1,214 | 15 km |
| 2017 | NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 | 1,148 | 19 km |
| 2006 | FULLERS LAKE 06 | 1,109 | 96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°F (-12°C) | 0.3 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 14°F (-10°C) | 0.4 in | |
| March | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.7 in | |
| April | 41°F (5°C) | 1.2 in | |
| May | 55°F (13°C) | 3.3 in | |
| June | 65°F (18°C) | 3.4 in | |
| July | 70°F (21°C) | 3.6 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 68°F (20°C) | 2.4 in | |
| September | 58°F (15°C) | 2.1 in | |
| October | 44°F (7°C) | 1.7 in | |
| November | 28°F (-2°C) | 0.5 in | |
| December | 16°F (-9°C) | 0.3 in |
Buchanan has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 10°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.3").