Weather & Climate in Karlsruhe, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Karlsruhe has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. Annual precipitation totals 18.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,542 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.5°F |
| 27% below US avg | |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,542 ft (470 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 75/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.0910°N, 100.6162°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minot International (MOT) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
238 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 15 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 2008 | EF3 | 99 km | 20.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 1986 | EF3 | 93 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 6, 1977 | EF3 | 96 km | 17.2 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1958 | EF3 | 63 km | 10.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 | EF3 | 72 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 | EF2 | 46 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 | EF2 | 68 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 | EF2 | 91 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF2 | 97 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 | EF2 | 76 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 80 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 78 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 | EF2 | 92 km | 0.2 mi | 1 |
| Jun 6, 1982 | EF2 | 37 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 | EF2 | 73 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 | EF2 | 72 km | 11.4 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1974 | EF2 | 91 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 | EF2 | 56 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1972 | EF2 | 95 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1965 | EF2 | 64 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: RED CROSS (3,015 acres, 2000).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2000 | RED CROSS | 3,015 | 43 km |
| 2017 | NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 | 2,772 | 49 km |
| 1992 | CLARK II | 2,443 | 100 km |
| 2009 | COUNTY ROAD 17 | 2,291 | 48 km |
| 1994 | ASPEN | 1,994 | 48 km |
| 2008 | POOL 326 | 1,805 | 58 km |
| 2006 | RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM | 1,705 | 92 km |
| 1997 | FOXHOLM1 | 1,187 | 75 km |
| 2007 | ROBINSON SUNFLOWER | 1,115 | 85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°F (-14°C) | 0.4 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 12°F (-11°C) | 0.5 in | |
| March | 24°F (-5°C) | 0.7 in | |
| April | 40°F (4°C) | 1.1 in | |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 2.6 in | |
| June | 64°F (18°C) | 3.6 in | Wettest |
| July | 69°F (20°C) | 2.7 in | Warmest |
| August | 67°F (20°C) | 2.2 in | |
| September | 58°F (14°C) | 1.7 in | |
| October | 43°F (6°C) | 1.4 in | |
| November | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 in | |
| December | 13°F (-10°C) | 0.6 in |
Karlsruhe has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 7°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and January the driest (0.4").