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Weather & Climate in Chatham, MI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Chatham has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.1 inches. The area receives 164.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 891 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 891 ft (272 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 50/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3441°N, 86.9313°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Alger County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marquette/Sawyer Regional (MQT) 23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Very Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Very Low |
| Lightning | Relatively High |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
40 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 5 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 11, 1987 | EF3 | 97 km | 71.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1992 | EF2 | 55 km | 0.2 mi | 0 |
| May 28, 1991 | EF2 | 97 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 1984 | EF2 | 63 km | 27.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 1981 | EF2 | 100 km | 2.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 20, 1972 | EF2 | 36 km | 0.8 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1964 | EF2 | 8 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 | EF1 | 100 km | 0.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 31, 2020 | EF1 | 70 km | 0.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 11, 2016 | EF1 | 91 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 2016 | EF1 | 70 km | 3.9 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 2016 | EF1 | 91 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 2012 | EF1 | 97 km | 7.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 10, 2000 | EF1 | 64 km | 7.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 25, 1998 | EF1 | 60 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Oct 5, 1997 | EF1 | 61 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 9, 1987 | EF1 | 28 km | 2.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 1974 | EF1 | 67 km | 5.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 | EF1 | 76 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1973 | EF1 | 80 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: MARQUETTE9 (4,224 acres, 1999).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1999 | MARQUETTE9 | 4,224 | 83 km |
| 1986 | MARQUETTE11 | 3,983 | 33 km |
| 1987 | EIGHT MILE | 3,475 | 49 km |
| 2009 | SEDGE MEADOW | 2,680 | 68 km |
| 1986 | MARQUETTE13 | 2,491 | 40 km |
| 2004 | 2004 MARSH CREEK | 1,977 | 68 km |
| 2011 | 8/4-8/6 M-2 NORTH | 1,918 | 70 km |
| 1995 | OGEMAW10 | 1,212 | 67 km |
| 2007 | EAST SEDGE MARSH BURNING-1 | 1,117 | 68 km |
| 1987 | SCHOOLCRAFT7 | 943 | 62 km |
| 1994 | H POOL | 914 | 74 km |
| 2008 | UNNAMED | 831 | 74 km |
| 2009 | FALLS | 820 | 65 km |
| 1986 | MARQUETTE10 | 671 | 66 km |
| 2008 | C 3 | 658 | 62 km |
| 2006 | MARSH LANDS 2006 RX | 635 | 69 km |
| 1984 | UNNAMED | 575 | 30 km |
| 2019 | DUTCH MILL | 551 | 33 km |
| 1986 | MARQUETTE9 | 521 | 78 km |
| 2009 | MARSH CREEK SOUTH WEDGE | 510 | 68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°F (-9°C) | 2.1 in | Coldest |
| February | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.4 in | Driest |
| March | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.0 in | |
| April | 38°F (3°C) | 1.8 in | |
| May | 50°F (10°C) | 2.9 in | |
| June | 59°F (15°C) | 3.0 in | |
| July | 66°F (19°C) | 3.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 64°F (18°C) | 3.3 in | |
| September | 57°F (14°C) | 4.0 in | Wettest |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 3.6 in | |
| November | 34°F (1°C) | 2.9 in | |
| December | 22°F (-5°C) | 2.4 in |
Chatham has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 16°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.4").