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Weather & Climate in Central City, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Central City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 825 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg | |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 825 ft (251 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,183/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2014°N, 91.5230°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Linn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Monticello Regional (MXO) 18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively High |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | Very High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively High |
| Ice Storm | Relatively High |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
632 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 425 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 62 km | 13.1 mi | 5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF4 | 9 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 74 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 17 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 | EF4 | 57 km | 4.7 mi | 1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 63 km | 91.5 mi | 1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 | EF4 | 22 km | 80.4 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2008 | EF3 | 60 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 2004 | EF3 | 30 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 11, 2000 | EF3 | 84 km | 18.6 mi | 1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF3 | 46 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 88 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 67 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 24 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 | EF3 | 33 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1988 | EF3 | 79 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF3 | 72 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF3 | 96 km | 17.8 mi | 0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 | EF3 | 78 km | 39.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF3 | 11 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (939 acres, 2009).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 939 | 71 km |
| 2010 | FOLEY | 786 | 70 km |
| 2011 | ACE AUTO | 676 | 64 km |
| 2011 | IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 | 510 | 75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.0 in | |
| March | 36°F (2°C) | 2.2 in | |
| April | 49°F (9°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 4.0 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 4.6 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 4.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 4.5 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 in | |
| October | 51°F (11°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 36°F (2°C) | 2.1 in | |
| December | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.5 in |
Central City has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.0").