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Weather & Climate in Gilson, IL

Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.

Gilson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 40.5 inches. The area receives 25.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 681 feet.

Temperature

23°F Jan (-5°C) 74°F Jul (23°C)
Annual Average50.4°F
7% below US avg
January Average23°F (-5°C)
July Average74°F (23°C)
Sunny Days275 days/yr

Geography

Elevation681 ft (208 m)
Area0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²)
Population Density452/sq mi
Coordinates40.8627°N, 90.1991°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyKnox County County
Nearest AirportGeneral Downing - Peoria International (PIA)
30 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 40.5"
7% above US avg
Snowfall 25.4"
Wettest Month (Jul) 4.29"
Driest Month (Feb) 1.38"

Air Quality

AQI Median43.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskRelatively Low
Risk Score57.2 / 100
Social Vulnerability49.8 / 100
Community Resilience66.0 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Relatively Moderate
Hurricane Very Low
Earthquake Very Low
Wildfire Very Low
Flood Relatively Low
Hail Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind Relatively High
Heat Wave Relatively Moderate
Winter Weather Relatively Low
Lightning Relatively Moderate
Ice Storm Relatively Moderate
Drought Relatively Moderate
Cold Wave Relatively Moderate
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.

Jun 28, 2004 12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois M4.2 127 km 10 km
Sep 2, 1999 8 km W of Amboy, Illinois M3.5 115 km 5 km
Mar 15, 2025 6 km W of Dwight, Illinois M2.6 145 km 5 km
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.

Tornado History

661 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 554 injuries.

Date Rating Distance Path Fatalities
Nov 17, 2013 EF4 60 km 46.4 mi 3
Jul 13, 2004 EF4 73 km 9.6 mi 0
May 13, 1995 EF4 99 km 50.0 mi 0
May 13, 1995 EF4 55 km 7.0 mi 0
Mar 29, 1981 EF4 93 km 5.1 mi 0
Jun 29, 1976 EF4 38 km 4.9 mi 0
Apr 4, 2023 EF3 60 km 19.9 mi 0
Feb 28, 2017 EF3 71 km 17.8 mi 0
Jun 1, 2007 EF3 95 km 15.8 mi 0
Apr 20, 2004 EF3 88 km 15.8 mi 8
May 10, 2003 EF3 62 km 17.5 mi 0
Apr 19, 1996 EF3 94 km 9.4 mi 0
May 13, 1995 EF3 54 km 25.0 mi 0
May 9, 1995 EF3 59 km 22.0 mi 0
May 9, 1995 EF3 98 km 10.0 mi 0
Mar 13, 1990 EF3 82 km 15.5 mi 0
Jun 21, 1981 EF3 79 km 8.8 mi 1
Aug 15, 1978 EF3 67 km 6.4 mi 0
Mar 4, 1976 EF3 65 km 0.8 mi 0
Jul 23, 1975 EF3 37 km 11.1 mi 0
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).

Wildfire History

5 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 acres, 1999).

Year Name Acres Burned Distance
1999 UNIT 3 1,206 80 km
2002 HSB 03 2 1,130 81 km
2000 DESTRUST A 756 81 km
2006 HSB 003 674 80 km
2004 HSB 009 608 81 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 in Coldest
February 27°F (-3°C) 1.4 in Driest
March 39°F (4°C) 2.8 in
April 51°F (10°C) 3.8 in
May 62°F (16°C) 3.9 in
June 71°F (22°C) 4.2 in
July 74°F (23°C) 4.3 in Warmest, Wettest
August 73°F (23°C) 3.8 in
September 65°F (18°C) 3.8 in
October 53°F (12°C) 2.9 in
November 39°F (4°C) 2.7 in
December 27°F (-3°C) 2.2 in

Gilson has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 23°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.4").

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