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Weather & Climate in Elk River, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Elk River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches. The area receives 35.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,006 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg | |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,006 ft (307 m) |
| Area | 43.8 sq mi (113.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 623/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3322°N, 93.5665°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sherburne County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC) 28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| 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: M3.1.
| Feb 9, 1994 | 6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota | M3.1 | 118 km | 5 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 132 km | 0 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
448 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 40 fatalities, 1,132 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 | EF4 | 23 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF4 | 42 km | 17.3 mi | 6 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF4 | 63 km | 12.3 mi | 3 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF4 | 54 km | 6.9 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF4 | 40 km | 6.8 mi | 3 |
| May 21, 1957 | EF4 | 61 km | 9.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 | EF4 | 81 km | 52.6 mi | 1 |
| May 25, 2008 | EF3 | 44 km | 6.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 18, 2001 | EF3 | 87 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| Sep 18, 1997 | EF3 | 90 km | 17.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 | EF3 | 43 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 63 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 | EF3 | 21 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 | EF3 | 44 km | 5.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 | EF3 | 62 km | 16.2 mi | 1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 | EF3 | 56 km | 3.8 mi | 1 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF3 | 87 km | 15.5 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1964 | EF3 | 99 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1958 | EF3 | 52 km | 59.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 | EF3 | 74 km | 18.2 mi | 2 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 acres, 2002).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2002 | UNIT 4 | 5,887 | 25 km |
| 2003 | UNITS 37 38 39 A | 4,879 | 18 km |
| 1998 | UNITS 1617 | 4,649 | 23 km |
| 2005 | RX HFR 05 | 4,253 | 23 km |
| 2009 | BU9 | 4,112 | 26 km |
| 2007 | WUI 07 - UNIT 36 | 4,025 | 17 km |
| 2000 | UNIT 25 | 3,412 | 17 km |
| 2009 | BU11 | 3,242 | 22 km |
| 1997 | BIG | 2,987 | 20 km |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 2,904 | 37 km |
| 2003 | UNITS 34 33 W | 2,637 | 18 km |
| 2024 | UNIT 8E RX | 2,551 | 24 km |
| 1992 | SHARPTAIL | 2,288 | 17 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 2,243 | 61 km |
| 2024 | RX-86_FY23 | 2,187 | 98 km |
| 2010 | WUI 10 UNIT D | 2,042 | 17 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 1,906 | 17 km |
| 2000 | UNNAMED | 1,850 | 75 km |
| 2006 | UNIT 4 | 1,732 | 26 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,655 | 84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest |
| February | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.8 in | Driest |
| March | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.7 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 2.4 in | |
| May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.4 in | |
| June | 67°F (20°C) | 4.4 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 4.0 in | |
| September | 60°F (15°C) | 3.3 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.2 in | |
| November | 31°F (-1°C) | 1.6 in | |
| December | 17°F (-8°C) | 0.9 in |
Elk River has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 13°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.8").