Weather & Climate in Kathryn, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Kathryn has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 22.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,219 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg | |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,219 ft (372 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 134/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.6812°N, 97.9704°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ransom County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very 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 | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.7.
| Oct 20, 1995 | 8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota | M3.7 | 131 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
422 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 12 fatalities, 155 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 | EF5 | 53 km | 52.4 mi | 10 |
| Jul 18, 2004 | EF4 | 33 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 | EF4 | 97 km | 5.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 | EF4 | 77 km | 9.1 mi | 2 |
| Jul 17, 2011 | EF3 | 55 km | 16.2 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1974 | EF3 | 42 km | 17.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 | EF3 | 74 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 | EF3 | 88 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 | EF3 | 59 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 | EF3 | 93 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 | EF3 | 63 km | 8.5 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1965 | EF3 | 93 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 | EF3 | 24 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 | EF3 | 66 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 | EF3 | 92 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 | EF3 | 99 km | 18.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 | EF3 | 14 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 | EF2 | 64 km | 26.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 2011 | EF2 | 70 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 2011 | EF2 | 85 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 acres, 2021).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2021 | BIESTERFELD | 3,481 | 55 km |
| 2003 | OLERUD | 1,275 | 58 km |
| 2016 | SLR 2016 RX MICHELL | 1,242 | 89 km |
| 2018 | EAST JIM LAKE | 1,214 | 87 km |
| 2017 | NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 | 1,148 | 91 km |
| 1985 | ALICE 02 | 1,142 | 36 km |
| 2006 | FULLERS LAKE 06 | 1,109 | 73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest |
| February | 17°F (-8°C) | 0.6 in | Driest |
| March | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.0 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 1.6 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3.3 in | |
| June | 69°F (21°C) | 3.8 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 3.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 2.4 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 2.5 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.1 in | |
| November | 33°F (0°C) | 0.7 in | |
| December | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 in |
Kathryn has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 13°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (0.6").