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Weather & Climate in Elgin, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Elgin 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 39.5 inches. The area receives 41.1 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 820 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 820 ft (250 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,247/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9554°N, 91.6354°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fayette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO) 48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
496 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 12 fatalities, 390 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 40 km | 13.1 mi | 5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF4 | 83 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 69 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF4 | 73 km | 10.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 | EF4 | 86 km | 4.7 mi | 1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 | EF4 | 96 km | 80.4 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 83 km | 162.0 mi | 2 |
| Aug 7, 2021 | EF3 | 77 km | 9.4 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2008 | EF3 | 51 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 89 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| May 11, 2000 | EF3 | 82 km | 18.6 mi | 1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF3 | 40 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 | EF3 | 63 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 60 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 | EF3 | 96 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF3 | 15 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 | EF3 | 86 km | 26.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF3 | 74 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 | EF3 | 20 km | 0.1 mi | 1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 | EF3 | 94 km | 4.7 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-9°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 in | |
| March | 34°F (1°C) | 2.1 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 4.0 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 4.3 in | |
| July | 71°F (21°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 4.5 in | Wettest |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 3.6 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.5 in | |
| November | 35°F (1°C) | 2.1 in | |
| December | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.4 in |
Elgin has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.0").