Weather & Climate in Lawton, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Lawton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winters average 3°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 64°F. Annual precipitation totals 20.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,518 feet.
Temperature
3°F Jan (-16°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 37.3°F |
| 31% below US avg | |
| January Average | 3°F (-16°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,518 ft (463 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 22/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.3033°N, 98.3679°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ramsey County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL) 28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| 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)
Tornado History
422 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 28 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Aug 26, 2007 | EF4 | 86 km | 5.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 6, 1999 | EF4 | 55 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 | EF3 | 69 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 | EF3 | 70 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 | EF3 | 79 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 | EF3 | 93 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 | EF3 | 98 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 | EF2 | 80 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 | EF2 | 59 km | 3.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 | EF2 | 58 km | 18.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 | EF2 | 70 km | 3.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 | EF2 | 96 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 27, 2015 | EF2 | 98 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF2 | 91 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2004 | EF2 | 90 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 19, 2004 | EF2 | 81 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 19, 2004 | EF2 | 83 km | 0.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 95 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 96 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 1999 | EF2 | 92 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: BROWN WF (1,430 acres, 2006).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2006 | BROWN WF | 1,430 | 60 km |
| 2021 | DAHL | 1,312 | 38 km |
| 1985 | LAKE ALICE | 1,214 | 55 km |
| 1996 | P CHICKEN | 1,121 | 81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°F (-16°C) | 0.4 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 7°F (-14°C) | 0.4 in | |
| March | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.7 in | |
| April | 38°F (3°C) | 1.2 in | |
| May | 52°F (11°C) | 2.9 in | |
| June | 62°F (17°C) | 4.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 67°F (19°C) | 3.5 in | Warmest |
| August | 65°F (18°C) | 2.8 in | |
| September | 56°F (13°C) | 2.0 in | |
| October | 41°F (5°C) | 1.4 in | |
| November | 24°F (-4°C) | 0.8 in | |
| December | 10°F (-12°C) | 0.5 in |
Lawton has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 3°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.4").