Weather & Climate in Mountain Iron, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Mountain Iron has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 27.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 68.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,517 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-14°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 38.9°F |
| 28% below US avg | |
| January Average | 8°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,517 ft (462 m) |
| Area | 68.1 sq mi (176.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 42/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.5367°N, 92.6166°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | St. Louis County County |
| Nearest Airport | Range Regional (HIB) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Very High |
| Lightning | Very High |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Very High |
| Landslide | Very Low |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
58 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 4 fatalities, 40 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 65 km | 17.2 mi | 2 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 39 km | 7.2 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 18 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 71 km | 18.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 48 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 95 km | 12.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 7, 1977 | EF2 | 58 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF2 | 63 km | 1.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF2 | 33 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF2 | 37 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Sep 6, 1959 | EF2 | 34 km | 30.3 mi | 0 |
| Sep 19, 2024 | EF1 | 50 km | 5.9 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 2022 | EF1 | 91 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 17, 2019 | EF1 | 54 km | 5.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 | EF1 | 30 km | 7.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 | EF1 | 75 km | 8.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1993 | EF1 | 93 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 7, 1988 | EF1 | 97 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| Sep 5, 1987 | EF1 | 73 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 1987 | EF1 | 92 km | 0.1 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 | 80 km |
| 2005 | WEST ZONE RX BURN | 9,523 | 60 km |
| 1996 | WHITEFEATHER LAKE | 4,286 | 85 km |
| 1992 | UNNAMED | 4,053 | 32 km |
| 1995 | LITTLE GABBRO | 3,145 | 87 km |
| 2006 | TURTLE LAKE | 2,167 | 88 km |
| 2000 | UNNAMED | 1,874 | 51 km |
| 1992 | UNNAMED | 1,581 | 30 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,010 | 97 km |
| 1998 | UNNAMED | 958 | 37 km |
| 2016 | FOSS LAKE | 917 | 59 km |
| 2021 | BEZHIK | 805 | 68 km |
| 2016 | SKIBO | 763 | 43 km |
| 2007 | WOODBURY | 673 | 97 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 621 | 56 km |
| 2003 | FEN | 619 | 26 km |
| 2009 | EVELETH RX | 586 | 40 km |
| 2010 | UNNAMED | 582 | 51 km |
| 2019 | UNNAMED | 558 | 66 km |
| 2019 | KANGAS | 556 | 68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°F (-14°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest |
| February | 12°F (-11°C) | 0.7 in | Driest |
| March | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.2 in | |
| April | 38°F (4°C) | 2.0 in | |
| May | 52°F (11°C) | 3.0 in | |
| June | 62°F (17°C) | 4.3 in | Wettest |
| July | 66°F (19°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 65°F (18°C) | 3.5 in | |
| September | 56°F (13°C) | 3.4 in | |
| October | 42°F (6°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.4 in | |
| December | 14°F (-10°C) | 1.0 in |
Mountain Iron has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 8°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.7").