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Weather & Climate in Independence, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Independence experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 915 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg | |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 915 ft (279 m) |
| Area | 6.2 sq mi (16.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,020/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4622°N, 91.9032°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buchanan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
600 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 497 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 | EF5 | 81 km | 41.0 mi | 9 |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 23 km | 13.1 mi | 5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF4 | 47 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 37 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 82 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF4 | 96 km | 10.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 | EF4 | 30 km | 4.7 mi | 1 |
| Sep 1, 1961 | EF4 | 97 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 | EF4 | 42 km | 80.4 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2008 | EF3 | 18 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 2004 | EF3 | 46 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 11, 2000 | EF3 | 45 km | 18.6 mi | 1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF3 | 24 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 | EF3 | 97 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 98 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 31 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 | EF3 | 71 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF3 | 53 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF3 | 76 km | 17.8 mi | 0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 | EF3 | 55 km | 39.4 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (939 acres, 2009).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 939 | 73 km |
| 2010 | FOLEY | 786 | 73 km |
| 2011 | ACE AUTO | 676 | 73 km |
| 2011 | IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 | 510 | 72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.9 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.0 in | |
| March | 35°F (2°C) | 2.2 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 4.1 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 4.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 4.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 4.4 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.8 in | |
| October | 51°F (10°C) | 2.5 in | |
| November | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 in | |
| December | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.4 in |
Independence has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").