Weather & Climate in Merrill, MI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Merrill experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.1 inches. The area receives 49.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 671 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 671 ft (205 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,179/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4091°N, 84.3345°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Saginaw County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively High |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Very High |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | No Rating |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| 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, 1994 | 5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan | M3.5 | 71 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
323 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 129 fatalities, 1,140 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 | EF5 | 52 km | 18.9 mi | 116 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF4 | 65 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 67 km | 21.0 mi | 1 |
| May 12, 1956 | EF4 | 70 km | 6.6 mi | 3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 | EF4 | 98 km | 33.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 | EF3 | 100 km | 6.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 | EF3 | 63 km | 1.7 mi | 1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 | EF3 | 56 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 | EF3 | 48 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 | EF3 | 69 km | 0.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 | EF3 | 38 km | 48.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 | EF3 | 81 km | 11.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 1974 | EF3 | 75 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 | EF3 | 98 km | 60.9 mi | 0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 | EF2 | 77 km | 5.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 | EF2 | 84 km | 12.0 mi | 2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 | EF2 | 64 km | 18.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 | EF2 | 51 km | 11.3 mi | 0 |
| May 28, 2013 | EF2 | 84 km | 4.6 mi | 0 |
| May 28, 2013 | EF2 | 77 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: ROSCOMMON4 (2,109 acres, 2005).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2005 | ROSCOMMON4 | 2,109 | 94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.9 in | Coldest |
| February | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.8 in | Driest |
| March | 34°F (1°C) | 2.0 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 3.2 in | |
| May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.4 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 3.3 in | |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 2.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | Wettest |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 in | |
| October | 51°F (10°C) | 2.9 in | |
| November | 39°F (4°C) | 2.3 in | |
| December | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.9 in |
Merrill has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 23°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.8").