Weather & Climate in Kirkwood, IL
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Kirkwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches. The area receives 25.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 749 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg | |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 749 ft (228 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 818/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8678°N, 90.7483°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Warren County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| 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: M3.5.
| Sep 2, 1999 | 8 km W of Amboy, Illinois | M3.5 | 145 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
618 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 435 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 13, 1995 | EF4 | 67 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF4 | 57 km | 50.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 | EF4 | 84 km | 4.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 | EF3 | 70 km | 19.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 | EF3 | 58 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 83 km | 7.5 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1998 | EF3 | 94 km | 47.0 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF3 | 85 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 93 km | 22.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 80 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF3 | 90 km | 15.5 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1988 | EF3 | 98 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 | EF3 | 72 km | 8.8 mi | 1 |
| Aug 15, 1978 | EF3 | 45 km | 6.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 | EF3 | 58 km | 14.0 mi | 2 |
| Jul 23, 1975 | EF3 | 50 km | 11.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 1975 | EF3 | 47 km | 6.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 | EF3 | 57 km | 48.6 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1974 | EF3 | 85 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 | EF3 | 91 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 acres, 1999).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1999 | UNIT 3 | 1,206 | 40 km |
| 2002 | HSB 03 2 | 1,130 | 41 km |
| 2000 | DESTRUST A | 756 | 41 km |
| 2006 | HSB 003 | 674 | 39 km |
| 2004 | HSB 009 | 608 | 41 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.7 in | Coldest |
| February | 26°F (-3°C) | 1.6 in | Driest |
| March | 38°F (3°C) | 2.5 in | |
| April | 50°F (10°C) | 3.9 in | |
| May | 62°F (17°C) | 5.5 in | Wettest |
| June | 71°F (22°C) | 5.0 in | |
| July | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 72°F (22°C) | 3.8 in | |
| September | 65°F (18°C) | 3.9 in | |
| October | 53°F (12°C) | 2.9 in | |
| November | 39°F (4°C) | 2.4 in | |
| December | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.8 in |
Kirkwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.5") and February the driest (1.6").