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Weather & Climate in Buffalo Center, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Buffalo Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,182 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,182 ft (360 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 935/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3894°N, 93.9428°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Winnebago County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT) 58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.8.
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 89 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 113 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
582 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 45 fatalities, 935 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 96 km | 62.1 mi | 13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 | EF5 | 70 km | 9.7 mi | 6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 32 km | 16.9 mi | 1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF4 | 100 km | 14.9 mi | 3 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF4 | 97 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 | EF4 | 99 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 46 km | 38.7 mi | 5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 63 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 63 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 57 km | 20.1 mi | 6 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 92 km | 41.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 57 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 49 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 | EF3 | 60 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 55 km | 18.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 84 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 70 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 | EF3 | 85 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 | EF3 | 42 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF3 | 57 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 acres, 2024).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2024 | SNAKE TRAIL | 1,496 | 90 km |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 82 km |
| 2024 | LINCOLN WPA RX | 575 | 76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°F (-10°C) | 0.7 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.7 in | |
| March | 32°F (-0°C) | 1.7 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 2.9 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3.7 in | |
| June | 69°F (21°C) | 4.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 4.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 4.2 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 3.2 in | |
| October | 49°F (10°C) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 33°F (1°C) | 1.5 in | |
| December | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.9 in |
Buffalo Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.7").