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Weather & Climate in Fessenden, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Fessenden has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 273 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 17.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 33.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,613 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.9°F |
| 24% below US avg | |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,613 ft (492 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,084/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.6493°N, 99.6270°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wells County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL) 46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Very Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
294 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 33 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Aug 11, 2002 | EF4 | 82 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 | EF4 | 94 km | 48.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 18, 2001 | EF3 | 88 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1958 | EF3 | 34 km | 10.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 | EF3 | 28 km | 1.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 | EF2 | 71 km | 3.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 | EF2 | 68 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 | EF2 | 59 km | 3.3 mi | 0 |
| May 19, 2004 | EF2 | 90 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 37 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 39 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 17, 2001 | EF2 | 58 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 | EF2 | 93 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF2 | 70 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1976 | EF2 | 76 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 14, 1974 | EF2 | 97 km | 11.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 | EF2 | 32 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1974 | EF2 | 35 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 | EF2 | 84 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 29, 1972 | EF2 | 64 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: CHICAGOLAKE (4,606 acres, 1994).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1994 | CHICAGOLAKE | 4,606 | 70 km |
| 2008 | GRADER | 1,745 | 50 km |
| 2006 | BROWN WF | 1,430 | 59 km |
| 1985 | CHASE LAKE | 1,215 | 73 km |
| 2018 | EAST JIM LAKE | 1,214 | 79 km |
| 1985 | LAKE ALICE | 1,214 | 84 km |
| 2006 | RICE LAKE 1 | 1,150 | 89 km |
| 2017 | NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 | 1,148 | 74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°F (-12°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest |
| February | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.5 in | Driest |
| March | 25°F (-4°C) | 0.8 in | |
| April | 40°F (5°C) | 1.5 in | |
| May | 55°F (13°C) | 2.2 in | |
| June | 64°F (18°C) | 3.4 in | Wettest |
| July | 69°F (20°C) | 2.6 in | Warmest |
| August | 67°F (20°C) | 2.0 in | |
| September | 57°F (14°C) | 1.7 in | |
| October | 45°F (7°C) | 1.1 in | |
| November | 28°F (-2°C) | 0.5 in | |
| December | 14°F (-10°C) | 0.5 in |
Fessenden has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.5").