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Weather & Climate in Elma, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Elma has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches. The area receives 38.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,179 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,179 ft (359 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 502/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2457°N, 92.4387°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Howard County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
559 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 44 fatalities, 979 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 | EF5 | 85 km | 41.0 mi | 9 |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 77 km | 62.1 mi | 13 |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 76 km | 13.1 mi | 5 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF4 | 2 km | 10.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 88 km | 38.7 mi | 5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 60 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 63 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 31 km | 41.6 mi | 0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 | EF4 | 81 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 | EF4 | 69 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 23 km | 162.0 mi | 2 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 90 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 94 km | 18.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 88 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 86 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2008 | EF3 | 80 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 19 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| May 11, 2000 | EF3 | 81 km | 18.6 mi | 1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF3 | 95 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 | EF3 | 16 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°F (-10°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest |
| February | 20°F (-7°C) | 0.9 in | Driest |
| March | 32°F (0°C) | 2.1 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 3.5 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 4.2 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 4.6 in | |
| July | 71°F (21°C) | 4.5 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 4.6 in | Wettest |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 3.7 in | |
| October | 49°F (9°C) | 2.7 in | |
| November | 33°F (0°C) | 2.2 in | |
| December | 19°F (-7°C) | 1.3 in |
Elma has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.9").