Weather & Climate in Finley, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Finley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. Annual precipitation totals 22.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,456 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.4°F |
| 27% below US avg | |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,456 ft (444 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 92/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.5125°N, 97.8373°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Steele County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Forks International (GFK) 43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
495 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 140 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 | EF5 | 77 km | 52.4 mi | 10 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 41 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 | EF4 | 29 km | 5.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 18, 2004 | EF4 | 91 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 | EF3 | 55 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 | EF3 | 28 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 | EF3 | 50 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 | EF3 | 21 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 | EF3 | 60 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 | EF3 | 84 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 | EF3 | 7 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 | EF3 | 64 km | 8.5 mi | 0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 | EF3 | 69 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 | EF3 | 64 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 | EF3 | 40 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 | EF3 | 80 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 | EF2 | 18 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 | EF2 | 75 km | 3.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 | EF2 | 42 km | 22.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 | EF2 | 66 km | 11.6 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: BROWN WF (1,430 acres, 2006).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2006 | BROWN WF | 1,430 | 98 km |
| 2018 | EAST JIM LAKE | 1,214 | 83 km |
| 2017 | NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 | 1,148 | 83 km |
| 1985 | ALICE 02 | 1,142 | 88 km |
| 1996 | P CHICKEN | 1,121 | 79 km |
| 2006 | FULLERS LAKE 06 | 1,109 | 31 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°F (-14°C) | 0.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 11°F (-12°C) | 0.6 in | |
| March | 25°F (-4°C) | 0.7 in | |
| April | 41°F (5°C) | 1.2 in | |
| May | 54°F (12°C) | 3.0 in | |
| June | 64°F (18°C) | 3.4 in | |
| July | 68°F (20°C) | 3.8 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 66°F (19°C) | 3.2 in | |
| September | 57°F (14°C) | 2.1 in | |
| October | 43°F (6°C) | 2.0 in | |
| November | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.8 in | |
| December | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.7 in |
Finley has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 7°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.5").