Weather & Climate in Clarkson, NE
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Clarkson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 28.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 23.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,526 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.7°F |
| 10% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,526 ft (465 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 771/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7234°N, 97.1215°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Colfax County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
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.
| Feb 6, 1996 | 1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska | M3.6 | 94 km | 5 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 | 9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska | M3.4 | 10 km | 5 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 | 8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska | M3.3 | 127 km | 5 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 | 2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska | M2.8 | 143 km | 10 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 | 8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska | M2.7 | 63 km | 5 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 | 6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska | M2.5 | 131 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
590 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 283 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF4 | 88 km | 31.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF4 | 26 km | 12.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF4 | 50 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF4 | 26 km | 23.9 mi | 1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF4 | 29 km | 11.5 mi | 1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 | EF4 | 45 km | 18.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 | EF4 | 88 km | 13.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 | EF4 | 97 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 | EF4 | 65 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 | EF4 | 59 km | 22.6 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1975 | EF4 | 65 km | 4.1 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1954 | EF4 | 51 km | 29.9 mi | 6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 | EF4 | 72 km | 26.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 | EF4 | 44 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 | EF3 | 91 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 | EF3 | 87 km | 9.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 | EF3 | 84 km | 14.2 mi | 4 |
| Oct 9, 2001 | EF3 | 96 km | 18.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 | EF3 | 96 km | 1.8 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1991 | EF3 | 57 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 25°F (-4°C) | 0.7 in | |
| March | 37°F (3°C) | 1.5 in | |
| April | 49°F (9°C) | 3.1 in | |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 4.3 in | |
| June | 71°F (22°C) | 5.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 72°F (22°C) | 3.6 in | |
| September | 64°F (18°C) | 2.9 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.2 in | |
| November | 36°F (2°C) | 1.0 in | |
| December | 25°F (-4°C) | 0.8 in |
Clarkson has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.5").