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Weather & Climate in Cresco, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Cresco has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches. The area receives 40.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,302 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,302 ft (397 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,168/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3717°N, 92.1163°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Howard County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY) 32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
491 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 405 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 80 km | 13.1 mi | 5 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF4 | 31 km | 10.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 86 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 86 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 58 km | 41.6 mi | 0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 | EF4 | 72 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 | EF4 | 97 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 25 km | 162.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 100 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 98 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2008 | EF3 | 86 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 35 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| May 11, 2000 | EF3 | 99 km | 18.6 mi | 1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF3 | 93 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 | EF3 | 13 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF3 | 75 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| May 17, 1982 | EF3 | 97 km | 46.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 | EF3 | 80 km | 26.9 mi | 0 |
| May 28, 1974 | EF3 | 89 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF3 | 74 km | 15.4 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 acres, 2007).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2007 | BEAVER CUTOFF | 982 | 88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-10°C) | 0.9 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 20°F (-7°C) | 0.9 in | |
| March | 32°F (-0°C) | 2.1 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 3.2 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 3.9 in | |
| June | 67°F (20°C) | 4.2 in | |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (20°C) | 4.4 in | Wettest |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 4.0 in | |
| October | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 33°F (0°C) | 1.9 in | |
| December | 19°F (-7°C) | 1.3 in |
Cresco has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").