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Weather & Climate in Emmetsburg, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Emmetsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.6 inches. The area receives 37.1 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 1,225 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.3°F |
| 12% below US avg | |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,225 ft (373 m) |
| Area | 3.8 sq mi (9.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 963/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1148°N, 94.6796°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Palo Alto County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD) 46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| 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 | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M2.8.
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 131 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 47 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
566 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 355 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Oct 14, 1966 | EF5 | 91 km | 9.7 mi | 6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF4 | 45 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 98 km | 16.9 mi | 1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF4 | 54 km | 14.9 mi | 3 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF4 | 78 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 | EF4 | 78 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 92 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 43 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 | EF4 | 93 km | 9.9 mi | 1 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 94 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 | EF3 | 95 km | 10.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 | EF3 | 85 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 76 km | 29.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 98 km | 10.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 | EF3 | 87 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 37 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 | EF3 | 86 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF3 | 39 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 | EF3 | 38 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF3 | 38 km | 15.9 mi | 2 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 acres, 2008).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 21 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°F (-8°C) | 0.7 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.8 in | |
| March | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 2.8 in | |
| May | 60°F (15°C) | 3.5 in | |
| June | 69°F (21°C) | 4.3 in | Wettest |
| July | 74°F (23°C) | 4.0 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 3.3 in | |
| October | 49°F (10°C) | 2.2 in | |
| November | 33°F (1°C) | 1.4 in | |
| December | 20°F (-7°C) | 1.0 in |
Emmetsburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.7").