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Weather & Climate in Carter Lake, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Carter Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 31.9 inches. The area receives 27.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 965 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 52.4°F |
| 3% below US avg | |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 965 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,108/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2885°N, 95.9169°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pottawattamie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA) 2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively High |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.6.
| Dec 17, 2009 | 2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska | M3.6 | 98 km | 5 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 | 6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa | M3.5 | 79 km | 5 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 | 9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska | M3.4 | 120 km | 5 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 | 6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri | M3.1 | 119 km | 5 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 | 5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska | M2.9 | 141 km | 5 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 | 2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska | M2.9 | 110 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
633 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 562 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 21, 2024 | EF4 | 93 km | 40.7 mi | 5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF4 | 36 km | 31.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF4 | 98 km | 49.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 | EF4 | 32 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1975 | EF4 | 18 km | 8.0 mi | 3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 | EF4 | 76 km | 11.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 | EF4 | 90 km | 13.1 mi | 1 |
| Apr 5, 1954 | EF4 | 94 km | 6.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 13, 1952 | EF4 | 56 km | 26.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 | EF4 | 80 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 2024 | EF3 | 77 km | 33.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 76 km | 5.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 4 km | 19.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 25 km | 40.3 mi | 1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 20 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 97 km | 3.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 | EF3 | 59 km | 14.2 mi | 4 |
| May 16, 1999 | EF3 | 38 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
| May 16, 1999 | EF3 | 35 km | 7.5 mi | 2 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 41 km | 26.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 acres, 2005).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2005 | UNNAMED | 4,195 | 52 km |
| 2010 | UNNAMED | 629 | 14 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°F (-4°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 28°F (-2°C) | 0.9 in | |
| March | 40°F (4°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 52°F (11°C) | 2.8 in | |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 4.3 in | Wettest |
| June | 73°F (23°C) | 4.3 in | |
| July | 78°F (26°C) | 4.0 in | Warmest |
| August | 75°F (24°C) | 3.7 in | |
| September | 66°F (19°C) | 3.4 in | |
| October | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 in | |
| November | 38°F (4°C) | 1.4 in | |
| December | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.9 in |
Carter Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 24°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.8").