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Weather & Climate in Chester, MA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Chester has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 259 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 54.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 77.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 597 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg | |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 259 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 597 ft (182 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 494/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2807°N, 72.9801°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Hampshire County County |
| Nearest Airport | Westfield-Barnes Regional (BAF) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
| Avalanche | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
30 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.0.
| Jun 17, 1991 | 7 km NE of Worcester, New York | M4.0 | 145 km | 5 km |
| Oct 2, 1994 | 6 km W of Hardwick, Massachusetts | M3.7 | 58 km | 10 km |
| Jan 12, 2015 | 0 km NE of Wauregan, Connecticut | M3.3 | 107 km | 5 km |
| Jun 16, 2000 | 5 km NE of Granville, Massachusetts | M3.3 | 24 km | 10 km |
| Oct 2, 1994 | 1 km NW of Hardwick, Massachusetts | M3.3 | 63 km | 10 km |
| Dec 13, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M3.2 | 98 km | 10 km |
| Mar 11, 2020 | 0 km SSW of South Glens Falls, New York | M3.1 | 125 km | 13 km |
| Jul 24, 2007 | 12 km SSW of Altamont, New York | M3.1 | 100 km | 15 km |
| May 18, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M3.1 | 98 km | 9 km |
| Oct 28, 1991 | 3 km WNW of Stamford, Connecticut | M3.0 | 144 km | 10 km |
| Oct 21, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M2.9 | 98 km | 7 km |
| Sep 28, 2002 | 2 km N of Wilton, New Hampshire | M2.8 | 122 km | 5 km |
| Mar 21, 2016 | 4 km ESE of Warner, New Hampshire | M2.8 | 148 km | 7 km |
| Mar 22, 2009 | 9 km SW of Altamont, New York | M2.8 | 101 km | 16 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 | 5 km WSW of Altamont, New York | M2.8 | 102 km | 22 km |
| Oct 13, 1999 | 2 km E of Littleton Common, Massachusetts | M2.7 | 130 km | 2 km |
| Sep 30, 1991 | 0 km SSE of Bedford, New Hampshire | M2.7 | 141 km | 4 km |
| Apr 12, 1991 | 2 km ENE of North Castle, New York | M2.7 | 138 km | 9 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 | 5 km WSW of Altamont, New York | M2.7 | 102 km | 18 km |
| Feb 18, 2009 | 15 km N of Medusa, New York | M2.7 | 98 km | 9 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Category 1+) recorded within 500 km since 1980. Strongest on record: Category 2.
| Year | Name | Category | Max Wind | Closest |
| 1991 | Bob | Category 2 | 104 mph | 164 km |
| 1985 | Gloria | Category 1 | 86 mph | 45 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Category 1+, 1980–2026).
Tornado History
263 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 111 fatalities, 2,264 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 29, 1995 | EF4 | 38 km | 11.5 mi | 3 |
| Oct 3, 1979 | EF4 | 51 km | 11.3 mi | 3 |
| Aug 28, 1973 | EF4 | 39 km | 9.8 mi | 4 |
| Jun 9, 1953 | EF4 | 70 km | 34.9 mi | 94 |
| Jun 1, 2011 | EF3 | 28 km | 37.6 mi | 3 |
| May 31, 1998 | EF3 | 96 km | 30.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 22, 1981 | EF3 | 82 km | 7.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1974 | EF3 | 70 km | 49.1 mi | 0 |
| Sep 13, 1971 | EF3 | 26 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 29, 1971 | EF3 | 82 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Oct 3, 1970 | EF3 | 67 km | 35.4 mi | 1 |
| Aug 20, 1968 | EF3 | 92 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1963 | EF3 | 100 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1962 | EF3 | 82 km | 11.6 mi | 1 |
| Jun 24, 1960 | EF3 | 94 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1954 | EF3 | 58 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 21, 1951 | EF3 | 88 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2006 | EF2 | 56 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 21, 2003 | EF2 | 82 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 21, 2003 | EF2 | 61 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: EAST MOUNTAIN (964 acres, 2021).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2021 | EAST MOUNTAIN | 964 | 51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°F (-6°C) | 3.6 in | Coldest |
| February | 23°F (-5°C) | 3.5 in | Driest |
| March | 32°F (-0°C) | 3.9 in | |
| April | 43°F (6°C) | 4.1 in | |
| May | 55°F (13°C) | 4.6 in | Wettest |
| June | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 in | |
| July | 68°F (20°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 67°F (20°C) | 4.3 in | |
| September | 59°F (15°C) | 3.8 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 3.8 in | |
| November | 39°F (4°C) | 4.5 in | |
| December | 27°F (-3°C) | 4.1 in |
Chester has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 22°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (3.5").