Weather & Climate in Dunnell, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Dunnell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.7 inches. The area receives 41.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,319 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,319 ft (402 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,260/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5605°N, 94.7752°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Emmet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT) 63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.8.
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 93 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 86 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
543 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 242 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF4 | 93 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF4 | 96 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 91 km | 16.9 mi | 1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF4 | 75 km | 73.5 mi | 1 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 84 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF3 | 89 km | 33.0 mi | 1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 | EF3 | 38 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 76 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 94 km | 12.0 mi | 1 |
| Aug 7, 1994 | EF3 | 87 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 99 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 100 km | 13.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF3 | 60 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 | EF3 | 55 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF3 | 55 km | 15.9 mi | 2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 | EF3 | 37 km | 14.9 mi | 0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 | EF3 | 82 km | 11.2 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 49 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 66 km | 8.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF3 | 97 km | 18.4 mi | 2 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 acres, 2008).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 43 km |
| 2024 | LINCOLN WPA RX | 575 | 66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-10°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 in | |
| March | 31°F (-0°C) | 1.5 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 3.2 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 4.8 in | Wettest |
| June | 69°F (20°C) | 4.8 in | |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (20°C) | 2.8 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 3.1 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.9 in | |
| November | 33°F (1°C) | 1.4 in | |
| December | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.9 in |
Dunnell has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.6").