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Weather & Climate in Independence, KS
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Independence enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 305 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 45.4 inches. The area receives 7.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 800 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 57.6°F |
| 7% above US avg | |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 800 ft (244 m) |
| Area | 7.6 sq mi (19.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,131/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2329°N, 95.7136°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Montgomery County County |
| Nearest Airport | Miami Regional (MIO) 51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively High |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
354 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M5.8.
| Sep 3, 2016 | 14 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma | M5.8 | 141 km | 6 km |
| Jan 16, 2019 | 4 km ENE of South Haven, Kansas | M4.0 | 147 km | 5 km |
| Jun 8, 2016 | 13 km NNW of Pawnee, Oklahoma | M3.9 | 137 km | 7 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 | 6 km N of Maramec, Oklahoma | M3.7 | 134 km | 0 km |
| Oct 4, 2016 | 15 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma | M3.7 | 141 km | 6 km |
| Apr 4, 2018 | 12 km WSW of Ralston, Oklahoma | M3.6 | 133 km | 5 km |
| Sep 3, 2016 | 13 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma | M3.6 | 139 km | 6 km |
| Jan 31, 2016 | 1 km NW of Skedee, Oklahoma | M3.5 | 130 km | 7 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 | 5 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas | M3.5 | 144 km | 5 km |
| Oct 9, 2016 | 11 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma | M3.5 | 139 km | 4 km |
| Apr 13, 2016 | 1 km W of Braman, Oklahoma | M3.5 | 150 km | 7 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 | 3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas | M3.5 | 145 km | 5 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 | 10 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma | M3.5 | 139 km | 5 km |
| Apr 5, 2018 | 12 km WSW of Ralston, Oklahoma | M3.5 | 133 km | 5 km |
| Jan 2, 2017 | 13 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma | M3.5 | 140 km | 3 km |
| Jan 28, 2016 | 9 km SE of Marland, Oklahoma | M3.5 | 146 km | 7 km |
| Oct 6, 2016 | 13 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma | M3.4 | 140 km | 4 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 | 3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas | M3.4 | 145 km | 5 km |
| Feb 27, 2014 | 8 km ESE of Marland, Oklahoma | M3.4 | 142 km | 8 km |
| Feb 6, 2017 | 12 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma | M3.4 | 139 km | 6 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
584 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 40 fatalities, 787 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 10, 2008 | EF4 | 57 km | 75.5 mi | 21 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF4 | 58 km | 33.0 mi | 4 |
| Apr 26, 1991 | EF4 | 87 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 27, 1959 | EF4 | 59 km | 20.4 mi | 1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 | EF4 | 84 km | 41.8 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 98 km | 9.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 2018 | EF3 | 83 km | 9.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 2005 | EF3 | 38 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 2003 | EF3 | 66 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 70 km | 25.0 mi | 5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 | EF3 | 15 km | 34.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 2, 1992 | EF3 | 93 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 | EF3 | 66 km | 15.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 | EF3 | 68 km | 14.0 mi | 1 |
| Mar 26, 1991 | EF3 | 92 km | 15.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 | EF3 | 92 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 | EF3 | 35 km | 30.0 mi | 1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 | EF3 | 95 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 | EF3 | 87 km | 70.0 mi | 2 |
| Mar 15, 1982 | EF3 | 27 km | 6.0 mi | 1 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (60,976 acres, 2014).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 60,976 | 95 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 51,112 | 45 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 36,112 | 74 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 32,901 | 62 km |
| 2018 | DRUMB | 30,422 | 100 km |
| 2021 | CANDY CREEK | 23,167 | 81 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 20,760 | 36 km |
| 2015 | UNNAMED | 20,347 | 67 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 19,648 | 47 km |
| 2018 | WEST 60 | 18,715 | 85 km |
| 2015 | WOLF CREEK | 18,077 | 45 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 17,075 | 55 km |
| 2023 | HWY 123 | 14,980 | 71 km |
| 2016 | BAR-DEW LAKE | 14,806 | 54 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 14,661 | 85 km |
| 2018 | 18-85 | 14,632 | 61 km |
| 2014 | SPIDER | 14,587 | 99 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 14,119 | 86 km |
| 2016 | FERGUSON RANCH | 13,625 | 76 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 13,265 | 37 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34°F (1°C) | 1.4 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 38°F (3°C) | 1.7 in | |
| March | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 in | |
| April | 58°F (14°C) | 3.8 in | |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 5.6 in | Wettest |
| June | 75°F (24°C) | 5.1 in | |
| July | 80°F (27°C) | 3.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 in | |
| September | 71°F (22°C) | 4.6 in | |
| October | 60°F (15°C) | 3.9 in | |
| November | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 in | |
| December | 36°F (2°C) | 2.0 in |
Independence has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 34°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.6") and January the driest (1.4").