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Weather & Climate in Heron Lake, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Heron Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.5 inches. The area receives 48.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,420 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg | |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,420 ft (433 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 477/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7981°N, 95.3198°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML) 52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.0 / 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 | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very 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: M3.1.
| Feb 9, 1994 | 6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota | M3.1 | 136 km | 5 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 114 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 110 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
502 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 333 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF5 | 56 km | 16.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 | EF5 | 54 km | 9.1 mi | 9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF4 | 65 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF4 | 24 km | 73.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF4 | 50 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF3 | 99 km | 33.0 mi | 1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 | EF3 | 49 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 | EF3 | 56 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 52 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 52 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 62 km | 13.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 | EF3 | 64 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 | EF3 | 73 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 | EF3 | 77 km | 14.9 mi | 0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 | EF3 | 86 km | 11.2 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 55 km | 8.6 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 48 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 82 km | 46.5 mi | 0 |
| Mar 21, 1953 | EF3 | 81 km | 31.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 18, 2017 | EF2 | 59 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 acres, 2008).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 75 km |
| 2024 | LINCOLN WPA RX | 575 | 88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°F (-10°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.7 in | |
| March | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.8 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 2.6 in | |
| May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 4.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 3.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 3.3 in | |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 3.2 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.1 in | |
| November | 32°F (-0°C) | 1.3 in | |
| December | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.8 in |
Heron Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.6").