Weather & Climate in Melrose, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Melrose experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.3 inches. The area receives 24.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 970 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 970 ft (296 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 136/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9791°N, 93.0508°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wayne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.2 / 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 | Very Low |
| 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)
Tornado History
496 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 189 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF4 | 93 km | 19.9 mi | 0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 | EF4 | 97 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 | EF4 | 83 km | 31.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 | EF4 | 96 km | 15.3 mi | 2 |
| Apr 21, 1973 | EF4 | 84 km | 14.6 mi | 0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF4 | 78 km | 25.7 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1959 | EF4 | 32 km | 17.2 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 26 km | 6.4 mi | 0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF3 | 61 km | 26.1 mi | 0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 | EF3 | 28 km | 11.3 mi | 1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 | EF3 | 50 km | 5.4 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 2019 | EF3 | 95 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 | EF3 | 54 km | 9.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 | EF3 | 22 km | 11.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 41 km | 39.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 59 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF3 | 92 km | 30.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF3 | 94 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 | EF3 | 86 km | 19.4 mi | 2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF3 | 83 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 acres, 2016).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2016 | NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 | 1,050 | 70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.4 in | |
| March | 37°F (3°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 4.2 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 5.4 in | Wettest |
| June | 69°F (20°C) | 4.9 in | |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 4.4 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.7 in | |
| October | 51°F (10°C) | 3.0 in | |
| November | 37°F (3°C) | 2.0 in | |
| December | 26°F (-3°C) | 1.3 in |
Melrose has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (1.0").