Weather & Climate in Knierim, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Knierim experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. The area receives 32.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,175 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,175 ft (358 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 83/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4563°N, 94.4559°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Calhoun County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| 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
1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.7.
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 67 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
611 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 418 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 | EF5 | 76 km | 21.3 mi | 0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 | EF5 | 76 km | 9.7 mi | 6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF4 | 45 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 56 km | 36.0 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 77 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1989 | EF4 | 58 km | 66.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF4 | 23 km | 14.9 mi | 3 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF4 | 26 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 | EF4 | 24 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 17 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 55 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 | EF4 | 29 km | 9.9 mi | 1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 | EF3 | 35 km | 10.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 | EF3 | 79 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 69 km | 10.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 56 km | 29.4 mi | 0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 | EF3 | 44 km | 17.6 mi | 1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 68 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 | EF3 | 99 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 | EF3 | 88 km | 7.7 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 | 90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°F (-8°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.0 in | |
| March | 35°F (2°C) | 2.0 in | |
| April | 47°F (9°C) | 3.8 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 5.0 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 5.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 3.5 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (21°C) | 4.5 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.0 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 36°F (2°C) | 1.5 in | |
| December | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.3 in |
Knierim has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.8").