Weather & Climate in Forest City, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Forest City 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. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. The area receives 44.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,261 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,261 ft (384 m) |
| Area | 4.6 sq mi (12.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 932/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2571°N, 93.6366°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Winnebago County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY) 53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.3 / 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 Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| 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 | 108 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 129 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
595 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 51 fatalities, 986 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 | EF5 | 100 km | 41.0 mi | 9 |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 69 km | 62.1 mi | 13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 | EF5 | 51 km | 9.7 mi | 6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 35 km | 16.9 mi | 1 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF4 | 91 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF4 | 96 km | 10.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 | EF4 | 93 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 38 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 61 km | 20.1 mi | 6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 39 km | 38.7 mi | 5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 43 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 66 km | 41.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 61 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 | EF4 | 74 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 23 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 | EF3 | 42 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 79 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 53 km | 18.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 64 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 89 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 acres, 2024).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2024 | SNAKE TRAIL | 1,496 | 97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°F (-10°C) | 1.2 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.3 in | |
| March | 31°F (-0°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 3.9 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 4.8 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 5.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 4.6 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 3.8 in | |
| September | 62°F (16°C) | 3.5 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 33°F (1°C) | 1.6 in | |
| December | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.2 in |
Forest City has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.2").