Weather & Climate in Elk Point, SD
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Elk Point experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.3 inches. The area receives 36.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,126 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.8°F |
| 10% below US avg | |
| January Average | 20°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,126 ft (343 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,543/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6812°N, 96.6805°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Union County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.6.
| Feb 6, 1996 | 1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska | M3.6 | 73 km | 5 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 | 9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska | M3.4 | 107 km | 5 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 | 5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota | M3.1 | 105 km | 5 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 | 8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska | M2.7 | 121 km | 5 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 130 km | 10 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 | 6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska | M2.5 | 93 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
652 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 290 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF4 | 64 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF4 | 84 km | 11.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF4 | 89 km | 23.9 mi | 1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 | EF4 | 61 km | 24.7 mi | 0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 | EF4 | 70 km | 18.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 | EF4 | 56 km | 13.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 | EF4 | 24 km | 52.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 | EF4 | 59 km | 22.6 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1975 | EF4 | 91 km | 4.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 | EF4 | 70 km | 7.8 mi | 1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 | EF4 | 68 km | 24.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 | EF4 | 98 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 | EF3 | 50 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 91 km | 3.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 | EF3 | 50 km | 1.8 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1991 | EF3 | 91 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 | EF3 | 77 km | 12.8 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1979 | EF3 | 49 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 | EF3 | 58 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1975 | EF3 | 90 km | 15.9 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: SIX PACK (1,649 acres, 2012).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2012 | SIX PACK | 1,649 | 98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°F (-6°C) | 0.7 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 25°F (-4°C) | 0.9 in | |
| March | 37°F (3°C) | 1.8 in | |
| April | 49°F (9°C) | 3.5 in | |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 4.3 in | |
| June | 71°F (22°C) | 4.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 74°F (24°C) | 3.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 72°F (22°C) | 3.4 in | |
| September | 65°F (18°C) | 3.0 in | |
| October | 52°F (11°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 37°F (3°C) | 1.5 in | |
| December | 24°F (-4°C) | 1.0 in |
Elk Point has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.7").