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Weather & Climate in Ellendale, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Ellendale has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,456 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.2°F |
| 20% below US avg | |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,456 ft (444 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 666/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.0044°N, 98.5254°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dickey County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR) 39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.7.
| Oct 20, 1995 | 8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota | M3.7 | 131 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
350 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 58 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 2004 | EF4 | 87 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 | EF4 | 37 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 | EF3 | 55 km | 16.2 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF3 | 97 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 | EF3 | 31 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1996 | EF3 | 60 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 | EF3 | 71 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1974 | EF3 | 59 km | 17.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 | EF3 | 58 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 | EF3 | 84 km | 0.3 mi | 1 |
| Jun 25, 1969 | EF3 | 71 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 | EF3 | 73 km | 26.4 mi | 2 |
| May 20, 1965 | EF3 | 10 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 | EF3 | 64 km | 156.3 mi | 1 |
| Jun 13, 1950 | EF3 | 100 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 2020 | EF2 | 43 km | 2.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 | EF2 | 46 km | 26.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 | EF2 | 76 km | 9.1 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2010 | EF2 | 64 km | 18.6 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2010 | EF2 | 23 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 acres, 2021).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2021 | BIESTERFELD | 3,481 | 97 km |
| 2003 | JOEL BERTSCH 2 | 1,460 | 74 km |
| 2004 | TACOMA PARK PLACE | 1,336 | 57 km |
| 2004 | ALLEN STUECKLE | 1,330 | 89 km |
| 2016 | SLR 2016 RX MICHELL | 1,242 | 28 km |
| 2000 | PHEASANT OPENER | 1,206 | 91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°F (-11°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest |
| February | 16°F (-9°C) | 0.5 in | |
| March | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.3 in | |
| April | 43°F (6°C) | 2.0 in | |
| May | 56°F (14°C) | 2.7 in | |
| June | 65°F (19°C) | 3.4 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 2.6 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 2.2 in | |
| September | 59°F (15°C) | 1.9 in | |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 1.4 in | |
| November | 28°F (-2°C) | 0.8 in | |
| December | 15°F (-10°C) | 0.4 in | Driest |
Ellendale has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 12°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and December the driest (0.4").