Weather & Climate in Knife River, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Knife River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.7 inches. The area receives 61.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 628 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 41.3°F |
| 24% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 628 ft (191 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 146/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.9489°N, 91.7842°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Douglas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Very Low |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
52 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 30 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 30 km | 17.2 mi | 2 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 91 km | 18.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 | EF2 | 71 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 | EF2 | 42 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 | EF2 | 98 km | 22.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF2 | 95 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF2 | 98 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 | EF2 | 78 km | 39.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 19, 2024 | EF1 | 55 km | 5.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2022 | EF1 | 81 km | 4.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 | EF1 | 100 km | 2.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 | EF1 | 39 km | 0.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 | EF1 | 87 km | 0.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2019 | EF1 | 73 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 | EF1 | 80 km | 7.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 27, 1994 | EF1 | 89 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 27, 1994 | EF1 | 83 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 1992 | EF1 | 93 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 13, 1988 | EF1 | 78 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Sep 5, 1987 | EF1 | 48 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: GREENWOOD (28,255 acres, 2021).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2021 | GREENWOOD | 28,255 | 73 km |
| 2013 | GERMANN ROAD FIRE | 6,751 | 70 km |
| 1992 | UNNAMED | 4,053 | 97 km |
| 2019 | NW SANDS UNITS I/F/C/A | 3,386 | 53 km |
| 2016 | UNNAMED | 2,682 | 52 km |
| 2013 | UNNAMED | 2,240 | 52 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 2,116 | 56 km |
| 2015 | UNNAMED | 1,407 | 55 km |
| 2015 | UNNAMED | 1,361 | 52 km |
| 2021 | NW SANDS - BLOCK E RX | 1,361 | 55 km |
| 2007 | PIONEER FIRE | 1,072 | 91 km |
| 2018 | UNNAMED | 961 | 54 km |
| 1998 | UNNAMED | 958 | 70 km |
| 2024 | NW SANDS BLOCK J RX | 911 | 50 km |
| 2024 | NW SANDS BLOCK B RX | 844 | 54 km |
| 2018 | NW SANDS BLOCK C | 771 | 56 km |
| 2016 | SKIBO | 763 | 64 km |
| 2022 | BRINKS 8C - SOUTH RX | 725 | 58 km |
| 2007 | WOODBURY | 673 | 92 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 621 | 59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°F (-9°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 1.2 in | |
| March | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.5 in | |
| April | 39°F (4°C) | 2.7 in | |
| May | 48°F (9°C) | 3.3 in | |
| June | 56°F (14°C) | 4.2 in | Wettest |
| July | 65°F (18°C) | 4.1 in | |
| August | 65°F (19°C) | 3.5 in | Warmest |
| September | 58°F (14°C) | 3.5 in | |
| October | 46°F (8°C) | 3.0 in | |
| November | 33°F (1°C) | 2.2 in | |
| December | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.6 in |
Knife River has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 16°F in January to 65°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 31.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (1.0").