Weather & Climate in Forest Hills, MI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Forest Hills experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches. The area receives 77.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 628 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg | |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 628 ft (191 m) |
| Area | 50.8 sq mi (131.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 578/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9602°N, 85.4897°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Ionia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gerald R Ford International (GRR) 6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | No Rating |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.2.
| May 2, 2015 | 5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan | M4.2 | 81 km | 4 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 | 5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan | M3.5 | 74 km | 5 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 | 5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan | M3.3 | 98 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
297 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 36 fatalities, 803 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 | EF5 | 69 km | 58.8 mi | 17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 | EF4 | 76 km | 12.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 | EF4 | 70 km | 16.6 mi | 1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF4 | 56 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 70 km | 21.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 36 km | 20.6 mi | 5 |
| Aug 24, 2007 | EF3 | 68 km | 6.5 mi | 0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 | EF3 | 81 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1980 | EF3 | 76 km | 10.6 mi | 5 |
| Apr 23, 1968 | EF3 | 82 km | 60.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF3 | 24 km | 13.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF3 | 66 km | 14.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF3 | 38 km | 14.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 | EF3 | 93 km | 60.6 mi | 0 |
| May 7, 2024 | EF2 | 87 km | 10.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 | EF2 | 69 km | 5.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 | EF2 | 64 km | 0.9 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 2001 | EF2 | 66 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 1994 | EF2 | 37 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| Nov 27, 1989 | EF2 | 49 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 acres, 1988).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1988 | ALLEGAN6 | 1,077 | 62 km |
| 2018 | SER 438 / WHITE RIVER | 814 | 81 km |
| 2019 | UNNAMED | 793 | 81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25°F (-4°C) | 2.5 in | Coldest |
| February | 27°F (-3°C) | 2.1 in | Driest |
| March | 36°F (2°C) | 2.4 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 4.0 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 4.0 in | |
| June | 69°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 3.6 in | |
| September | 64°F (18°C) | 3.4 in | |
| October | 52°F (11°C) | 4.0 in | Wettest |
| November | 40°F (4°C) | 3.1 in | |
| December | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.5 in |
Forest Hills has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.4 inches, with October being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (2.1").