Weather & Climate in Forest City, IL
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Forest City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.0 inches. The area receives 27.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 492 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.5°F |
| 3% below US avg | |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 492 ft (150 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 433/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3722°N, 89.8325°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mason County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M4.2.
| Jun 28, 2004 | 12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois | M4.2 | 144 km | 10 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 | 6 km W of Dwight, Illinois | M2.6 | 138 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
757 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 774 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 | EF4 | 36 km | 46.4 mi | 3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 | EF4 | 64 km | 9.6 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF4 | 40 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1977 | EF4 | 51 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 | EF4 | 48 km | 4.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 | EF4 | 70 km | 4.3 mi | 2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 | EF3 | 42 km | 19.9 mi | 0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 | EF3 | 72 km | 17.8 mi | 0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | EF3 | 43 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 | EF3 | 52 km | 24.3 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 2003 | EF3 | 17 km | 17.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 | EF3 | 41 km | 9.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 | EF3 | 83 km | 14.5 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF3 | 10 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 55 km | 50.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 | EF3 | 70 km | 8.8 mi | 1 |
| Jul 26, 1978 | EF3 | 64 km | 8.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1977 | EF3 | 83 km | 4.1 mi | 0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 | EF3 | 95 km | 0.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 | EF3 | 47 km | 11.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25°F (-4°C) | 2.2 in | Coldest |
| February | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.2 in | Driest |
| March | 41°F (5°C) | 2.7 in | |
| April | 52°F (11°C) | 4.2 in | |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 5.1 in | Wettest |
| June | 73°F (23°C) | 4.7 in | |
| July | 77°F (25°C) | 4.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 74°F (24°C) | 4.0 in | |
| September | 67°F (19°C) | 3.3 in | |
| October | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 in | |
| November | 42°F (6°C) | 2.7 in | |
| December | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.4 in |
Forest City has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and February the driest (2.2").