Weather & Climate in Kanawha, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Kanawha experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. The area receives 35.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,186 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,186 ft (361 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 407/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9342°N, 93.7932°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wright County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.8.
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 141 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 108 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
644 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 49 fatalities, 988 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 | EF5 | 86 km | 41.0 mi | 9 |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 58 km | 62.1 mi | 13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 | EF5 | 19 km | 9.7 mi | 6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF4 | 90 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 72 km | 16.9 mi | 1 |
| May 30, 1989 | EF4 | 89 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1989 | EF4 | 78 km | 66.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF4 | 74 km | 14.9 mi | 3 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF4 | 54 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 | EF4 | 56 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 76 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 65 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 99 km | 20.1 mi | 6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 77 km | 38.7 mi | 5 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 90 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 88 km | 41.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 36 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 | EF4 | 67 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 27 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 | EF3 | 11 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 acres, 2008).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 1.0 in | |
| March | 32°F (-0°C) | 2.3 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 4.0 in | |
| May | 58°F (15°C) | 5.0 in | |
| June | 69°F (20°C) | 5.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 3.1 in | |
| October | 49°F (9°C) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 34°F (1°C) | 1.6 in | |
| December | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.3 in |
Kanawha has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (0.8").