Weather & Climate in Elk Horn, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Elk Horn experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. The area receives 27.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,361 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,361 ft (415 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 853/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5931°N, 95.0613°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Shelby County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA) 48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| 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)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.6.
| Dec 17, 2009 | 2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska | M3.6 | 148 km | 5 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 | 6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa | M3.5 | 114 km | 5 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 | 6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri | M3.1 | 121 km | 5 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 | 2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska | M2.9 | 150 km | 5 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 137 km | 10 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: 26 fatalities, 499 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 | EF5 | 34 km | 0.1 mi | 1 |
| May 21, 2024 | EF4 | 78 km | 40.7 mi | 5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 | EF4 | 82 km | 70.6 mi | 6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF4 | 88 km | 56.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF4 | 84 km | 49.0 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 55 km | 36.0 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 79 km | 57.0 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 40 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1989 | EF4 | 74 km | 49.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 | EF4 | 48 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1975 | EF4 | 96 km | 8.0 mi | 3 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 93 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1959 | EF4 | 37 km | 41.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 | EF4 | 81 km | 9.9 mi | 1 |
| May 21, 2024 | EF3 | 83 km | 33.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 79 km | 19.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 72 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 56 km | 40.3 mi | 1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 | EF3 | 78 km | 10.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 89 km | 3.4 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 acres, 2005).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2005 | UNNAMED | 4,195 | 41 km |
| 2010 | UNNAMED | 629 | 70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.9 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.1 in | |
| March | 35°F (2°C) | 1.7 in | |
| April | 47°F (9°C) | 3.7 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 5.2 in | Wettest |
| June | 69°F (21°C) | 5.1 in | |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 3.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 4.5 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 3.5 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.8 in | |
| November | 36°F (2°C) | 1.5 in | |
| December | 24°F (-5°C) | 1.2 in |
Elk Horn has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (0.9").