Weather & Climate in Ethan, SD
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Ethan experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 21.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,344 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg | |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,344 ft (410 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,012/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5463°N, 97.9834°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hanson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 87.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively 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 | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.3.
| Nov 3, 2002 | 16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska | M4.3 | 114 km | 5 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 | 10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska | M3.7 | 85 km | 5 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 | 8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota | M3.6 | 48 km | 5 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 | 1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska | M3.6 | 120 km | 5 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 | 9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska | M3.1 | 86 km | 5 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 | 0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota | M3.1 | 93 km | 5 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 | 5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota | M3.1 | 57 km | 5 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 | 11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota | M3.0 | 88 km | 5 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 | 9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota | M2.8 | 132 km | 5 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 | 9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota | M2.5 | 106 km | 5 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 | 9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota | M2.5 | 41 km | 5 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 | 6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska | M2.5 | 86 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
548 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 252 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 | EF4 | 64 km | 11.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 | EF4 | 83 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1998 | EF4 | 33 km | 14.0 mi | 6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF4 | 68 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF4 | 88 km | 54.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 | EF4 | 74 km | 7.8 mi | 1 |
| May 5, 2007 | EF3 | 38 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 | EF3 | 92 km | 3.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 | EF3 | 58 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF3 | 63 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF3 | 96 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF3 | 90 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| May 7, 1993 | EF3 | 55 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 70 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 | EF3 | 74 km | 12.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 | EF3 | 15 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 | EF3 | 65 km | 35.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 | EF3 | 68 km | 15.4 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1965 | EF3 | 39 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 | EF3 | 76 km | 9.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: KAYLKOWSKI (1,966 acres, 2012).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2012 | KAYLKOWSKI | 1,966 | 94 km |
| 2012 | SIX PACK | 1,649 | 85 km |
| 2023 | SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I | 1,185 | 59 km |
| 2009 | TAHOHPI WUI RX | 1,166 | 98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.4 in | Coldest |
| February | 23°F (-5°C) | 0.4 in | Driest |
| March | 35°F (2°C) | 0.9 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 2.1 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3.2 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 3.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 75°F (24°C) | 2.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 72°F (22°C) | 3.1 in | |
| September | 64°F (18°C) | 2.3 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 1.8 in | |
| November | 35°F (2°C) | 0.6 in | |
| December | 23°F (-5°C) | 0.5 in |
Ethan has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 19°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.4").