Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Chain-O-Lakes experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°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 39.2 inches. The area receives 64.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 741 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)72°F Jul (22°C)
Annual Average
49.3°F
9% below US avg
January Average
24°F (-4°C)
July Average
72°F (22°C)
Sunny Days
275 days/yr
Geography
Elevation
741 ft (226 m)
Area
1.5 sq mi (4.0 km²)
Population Density
277/sq mi
Coordinates
41.7071°N, 86.3883°W
Timezone
America/Indiana/Indianapolis
County
St. Joseph County County
Nearest Airport
South Bend International (SBN) 4 miles away
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall39.2"
3% above US avg
Snowfall64.5"
Wettest Month (Jun)4.06"
Driest Month (Feb)1.81"
Air Quality
AQI Median
41.0
Rating
Good
Natural Hazard Risk
Overall Risk
Relatively Moderate
Risk Score
85.8 / 100
Social Vulnerability
37.2 / 100
Community Resilience
90.0 / 100
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado
Relatively High
Hurricane
Very Low
Earthquake
Relatively Low
Wildfire
Very 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
Very Low
Cold Wave
Relatively High
Landslide
Very Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest on record: M4.2.
May 2, 2015
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan
M4.2
99 km
4 km
Jun 30, 2015
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan
M3.3
121 km
5 km
Nov 4, 2013
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois
M3.2
120 km
1 km
Jan 26, 2012
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana
M3.0
76 km
5 km
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
393 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 95 fatalities, 1,185 injuries.
Date
Rating
Distance
Path
Fatalities
Apr 2, 1977
EF4
94 km
12.4 mi
0
Apr 11, 1965
EF4
21 km
37.0 mi
36
Apr 11, 1965
EF4
34 km
21.2 mi
31
Apr 11, 1965
EF4
58 km
21.6 mi
5
May 27, 2019
EF3
84 km
13.7 mi
0
Oct 18, 2007
EF3
49 km
20.3 mi
0
Oct 24, 2001
EF3
10 km
47.0 mi
1
May 13, 1980
EF3
86 km
10.6 mi
5
May 13, 1980
EF3
59 km
21.0 mi
0
Mar 12, 1976
EF3
52 km
12.1 mi
0
Mar 12, 1976
EF3
48 km
12.6 mi
0
Jun 20, 1974
EF3
98 km
4.5 mi
0
Apr 3, 1974
EF3
83 km
36.2 mi
5
Oct 24, 1967
EF3
71 km
0.1 mi
0
Nov 26, 1965
EF3
9 km
1.0 mi
0
Nov 12, 1965
EF3
92 km
4.1 mi
0
Apr 11, 1965
EF3
78 km
33.1 mi
0
Apr 11, 1965
EF3
43 km
35.6 mi
10
Apr 11, 1965
EF3
98 km
14.2 mi
0
Apr 30, 1962
EF3
12 km
36.5 mi
0
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
Year
Location
Cause
Max Wave
Deaths
Distance
1954
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN)
Avalanche
3.0 m
7
41 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database.
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km.
Largest: OGDEN DUNS (863 acres, 1986).
Year
Name
Acres Burned
Distance
1986
OGDEN DUNS
863
70 km
2021
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST
594
69 km
2017
17 INDU COWLES DUNES
522
60 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
Month
Avg Temperature
Precipitation
Summary
January
24°F (-4°C)
2.2 in
Coldest
February
27°F (-3°C)
1.8 in
Driest
March
37°F (3°C)
2.9 in
April
48°F (9°C)
3.7 in
May
60°F (15°C)
3.4 in
June
69°F (21°C)
4.1 in
Wettest
July
72°F (22°C)
3.7 in
Warmest
August
71°F (22°C)
3.7 in
September
63°F (17°C)
3.8 in
October
52°F (11°C)
3.2 in
November
40°F (5°C)
3.4 in
December
29°F (-2°C)
3.2 in
Chain-O-Lakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.8").
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