Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Monroe Center 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. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. The area receives 30.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 844 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)73°F Jul (23°C)
Annual Average
48.2°F
11% below US avg
January Average
21°F (-6°C)
July Average
73°F (23°C)
Sunny Days
260 days/yr
Geography
Elevation
844 ft (257 m)
Area
0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²)
Population Density
343/sq mi
Coordinates
42.0999°N, 88.9944°W
Timezone
America/Chicago
County
Boone County County
Nearest Airport
Chicago/Rockford International (RFD) 8 miles away
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall37.6"
1% below US avg
Snowfall30.8"
Wettest Month (Jun)4.37"
Driest Month (Feb)1.14"
Air Quality
AQI Median
43.0
Rating
Good
Natural Hazard Risk
Overall Risk
Relatively Low
Risk Score
57.4 / 100
Social Vulnerability
27.9 / 100
Community Resilience
72.2 / 100
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado
Relatively Moderate
Hurricane
Very Low
Earthquake
Very Low
Wildfire
Very Low
Flood
Relatively Low
Hail
Relatively Moderate
Strong Wind
Relatively Moderate
Heat Wave
Relatively Low
Winter Weather
Relatively Low
Lightning
Relatively Moderate
Ice Storm
Relatively Low
Drought
Relatively Low
Cold Wave
Relatively Moderate
Landslide
Very Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest on record: M4.2.
Jun 28, 2004
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois
M4.2
72 km
10 km
Feb 10, 2010
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois
M3.8
44 km
10 km
Sep 2, 1999
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois
M3.5
56 km
5 km
Nov 4, 2013
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois
M3.2
102 km
1 km
Jul 15, 2024
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois
M3.1
56 km
10 km
Mar 25, 2015
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois
M2.9
53 km
6 km
Jun 10, 2013
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois
M2.6
42 km
5 km
Mar 15, 2025
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois
M2.6
120 km
5 km
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
631 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 87 fatalities, 1,586 injuries.
Date
Rating
Distance
Path
Fatalities
Aug 28, 1990
EF5
71 km
16.4 mi
29
Apr 9, 2015
EF4
37 km
30.1 mi
2
Mar 29, 1981
EF4
92 km
5.1 mi
0
Jun 29, 1979
EF4
90 km
5.4 mi
0
Jun 13, 1976
EF4
95 km
3.3 mi
2
Sep 28, 1972
EF4
95 km
5.2 mi
0
Apr 21, 1967
EF4
60 km
8.8 mi
1
Apr 21, 1967
EF4
15 km
25.5 mi
24
Apr 11, 1965
EF4
52 km
9.1 mi
6
Jun 20, 2021
EF3
77 km
17.6 mi
0
Feb 28, 2017
EF3
86 km
11.5 mi
2
Jan 7, 2008
EF3
35 km
13.2 mi
0
Jan 7, 2008
EF3
74 km
10.8 mi
0
Aug 18, 2005
EF3
98 km
18.6 mi
1
Apr 20, 2004
EF3
97 km
15.8 mi
8
Jun 17, 1992
EF3
97 km
16.0 mi
0
Mar 27, 1991
EF3
94 km
15.0 mi
0
Apr 27, 1984
EF3
82 km
9.0 mi
1
Aug 5, 1979
EF3
49 km
5.7 mi
0
Jun 30, 1977
EF3
58 km
6.1 mi
0
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km.
Largest: RX-HWY Y - SOUTH (553 acres, 2024).
Year
Name
Acres Burned
Distance
2024
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH
553
98 km
2009
COLD SPRINGS
552
82 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
Month
Avg Temperature
Precipitation
Summary
January
21°F (-6°C)
1.4 in
Coldest
February
24°F (-4°C)
1.1 in
Driest
March
36°F (2°C)
2.4 in
April
48°F (9°C)
3.7 in
May
59°F (15°C)
3.7 in
June
69°F (21°C)
4.4 in
Wettest
July
73°F (23°C)
4.1 in
Warmest
August
70°F (21°C)
4.1 in
September
63°F (17°C)
3.9 in
October
51°F (11°C)
2.7 in
November
37°F (3°C)
2.7 in
December
25°F (-4°C)
2.1 in
Monroe Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.1").