Weather & Climate in Grand River, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Grand River experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches. The area receives 26.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,019 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.2°F |
| 9% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,019 ft (311 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 995/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8190°N, 93.9631°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Decatur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM) 49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Very Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| 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: M3.5.
| Jul 16, 2004 | 6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa | M3.5 | 135 km | 5 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 | 6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri | M3.1 | 90 km | 5 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 | 3 km W of Hale, Missouri | M2.5 | 144 km | 8 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
565 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 222 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 | EF5 | 93 km | 0.1 mi | 1 |
| May 21, 2024 | EF4 | 82 km | 40.7 mi | 5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 | EF4 | 50 km | 70.6 mi | 6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF4 | 38 km | 56.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF4 | 79 km | 49.0 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 48 km | 57.0 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1989 | EF4 | 66 km | 49.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF4 | 45 km | 134.0 mi | 3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 | EF4 | 22 km | 31.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1973 | EF4 | 65 km | 14.6 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1959 | EF4 | 70 km | 17.2 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1959 | EF4 | 94 km | 41.1 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 54 km | 6.4 mi | 0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 | EF3 | 50 km | 11.3 mi | 1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 | EF3 | 61 km | 5.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 | EF3 | 81 km | 11.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 | EF3 | 60 km | 76.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 47 km | 39.0 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF3 | 28 km | 30.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 14, 1994 | EF3 | 80 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.9 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 26°F (-3°C) | 1.3 in | |
| March | 38°F (3°C) | 2.2 in | |
| April | 49°F (10°C) | 4.1 in | |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 5.3 in | Wettest |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 5.3 in | |
| July | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 72°F (22°C) | 4.1 in | |
| September | 64°F (18°C) | 4.1 in | |
| October | 52°F (11°C) | 3.0 in | |
| November | 38°F (3°C) | 2.1 in | |
| December | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.5 in |
Grand River has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (0.9").