Weather & Climate in Council Grove, KS
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Council Grove enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. The area receives 12.0 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,231 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 55.5°F |
| 3% above US avg | |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,231 ft (375 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,162/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6631°N, 96.4918°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Morris County County |
| Nearest Airport | Manhattan Regional (MHK) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Very Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
100 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.5.
| Jan 19, 2020 | 2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas | M4.5 | 147 km | 5 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 | 3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas | M4.2 | 148 km | 5 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 | 15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas | M3.8 | 30 km | 5 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 | 5 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas | M3.5 | 123 km | 5 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 | 6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas | M3.5 | 48 km | 10 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 | 3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas | M3.5 | 124 km | 5 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 | 6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas | M3.5 | 48 km | 5 km |
| May 15, 2025 | 5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas | M3.5 | 42 km | 5 km |
| Mar 8, 2018 | 2 km WSW of Hutchinson, Kansas | M3.4 | 144 km | 11 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 | 3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas | M3.4 | 124 km | 5 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 | 6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas | M3.4 | 92 km | 5 km |
| Apr 6, 2023 | 6 km N of Bennington, Kansas | M3.3 | 106 km | 5 km |
| Aug 3, 2025 | 7 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas | M3.3 | 90 km | 5 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 | 8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas | M3.3 | 49 km | 5 km |
| Aug 4, 2025 | 5 km E of Assaria, Kansas | M3.3 | 91 km | 10 km |
| May 8, 2021 | 4 km ENE of Hope, Kansas | M3.2 | 47 km | 4 km |
| Mar 15, 2021 | 4 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas | M3.2 | 124 km | 5 km |
| Jul 30, 2019 | 5 km NNE of Kipp, Kansas | M3.2 | 83 km | 5 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 | 11 km E of Marion, Kansas | M3.2 | 48 km | 5 km |
| Apr 14, 2018 | 4 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas | M3.2 | 149 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
605 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 95 fatalities, 1,192 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF5 | 100 km | 22.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 8, 1966 | EF5 | 57 km | 21.1 mi | 16 |
| May 20, 1957 | EF5 | 89 km | 69.4 mi | 44 |
| May 28, 2019 | EF4 | 100 km | 29.1 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2016 | EF4 | 90 km | 25.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 | EF4 | 55 km | 8.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1974 | EF4 | 36 km | 37.5 mi | 6 |
| May 19, 1960 | EF4 | 56 km | 20.6 mi | 0 |
| May 19, 1960 | EF4 | 74 km | 27.5 mi | 1 |
| Apr 30, 2024 | EF3 | 81 km | 2.2 mi | 1 |
| Jun 26, 2018 | EF3 | 96 km | 9.2 mi | 0 |
| Oct 6, 2016 | EF3 | 86 km | 6.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 7, 2016 | EF3 | 78 km | 4.2 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 2011 | EF3 | 46 km | 10.1 mi | 1 |
| Jun 11, 2008 | EF3 | 59 km | 15.3 mi | 1 |
| May 8, 2003 | EF3 | 65 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 17, 1985 | EF3 | 17 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1983 | EF3 | 60 km | 19.0 mi | 1 |
| May 31, 1978 | EF3 | 74 km | 37.0 mi | 3 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF3 | 99 km | 31.6 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: RD 80 (63,061 acres, 2016).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2016 | RD 80 | 63,061 | 56 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 60,976 | 98 km |
| 1998 | ANNUAL BUR | 60,039 | 23 km |
| 2002 | UNNAMED | 26,655 | 55 km |
| 2000 | WEST SIDE MVD | 18,701 | 22 km |
| 2016 | BURLEY HILL | 16,381 | 41 km |
| 2023 | WAGSTAFF | 16,111 | 26 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 15,512 | 29 km |
| 2016 | UNNAMED | 15,100 | 50 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 14,832 | 38 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 14,661 | 89 km |
| 2010 | RANGE 51 | 13,760 | 60 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 13,063 | 90 km |
| 1989 | UNNAMED | 12,241 | 91 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 12,063 | 39 km |
| 2002 | WEST UNIT | 11,187 | 58 km |
| 1992 | UNNAMED | 11,123 | 53 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 10,911 | 71 km |
| 2001 | TALLGRASS 01 | 10,737 | 25 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 9,081 | 38 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°F (-1°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 34°F (1°C) | 1.3 in | |
| March | 45°F (7°C) | 2.2 in | |
| April | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 5.2 in | Wettest |
| June | 75°F (24°C) | 4.9 in | |
| July | 80°F (27°C) | 4.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 78°F (26°C) | 4.4 in | |
| September | 70°F (21°C) | 3.2 in | |
| October | 57°F (14°C) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 44°F (7°C) | 1.7 in | |
| December | 34°F (1°C) | 1.1 in |
Council Grove has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 30°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (0.8").