Weather & Climate in New Elm Spring Colony, SD
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
New Elm Spring Colony has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 25.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,309 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,309 ft (399 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 80/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4892°N, 97.8284°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hutchinson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mitchell Municipal (MHE) 22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.3.
| Nov 3, 2002 | 16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska | M4.3 | 118 km | 5 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 | 10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska | M3.7 | 91 km | 5 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 | 8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota | M3.6 | 62 km | 5 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 | 1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska | M3.6 | 111 km | 5 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 | 9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska | M3.1 | 91 km | 5 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 | 0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota | M3.1 | 102 km | 5 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 | 5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota | M3.1 | 50 km | 5 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 | 11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota | M3.0 | 101 km | 5 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 | 9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota | M2.8 | 146 km | 5 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 | 9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota | M2.5 | 116 km | 5 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 | 9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota | M2.5 | 55 km | 5 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 | 6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska | M2.5 | 78 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
564 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 353 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 | EF4 | 76 km | 11.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 | EF4 | 88 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1998 | EF4 | 31 km | 14.0 mi | 6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF4 | 62 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF4 | 78 km | 54.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 | EF4 | 60 km | 7.8 mi | 1 |
| May 5, 2007 | EF3 | 52 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 | EF3 | 70 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 | EF3 | 99 km | 3.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF3 | 56 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF3 | 89 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF3 | 82 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| May 7, 1993 | EF3 | 44 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 70 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 | EF3 | 60 km | 12.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 | EF3 | 25 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 1965 | EF3 | 58 km | 35.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1965 | EF3 | 60 km | 15.4 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1965 | EF3 | 27 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 1962 | EF3 | 69 km | 9.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: KAYLKOWSKI (1,966 acres, 2012).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2012 | KAYLKOWSKI | 1,966 | 95 km |
| 2012 | SIX PACK | 1,649 | 78 km |
| 2023 | SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I | 1,185 | 71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°F (-9°C) | 0.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 20°F (-7°C) | 0.7 in | |
| March | 32°F (0°C) | 1.1 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 2.9 in | |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 3.6 in | |
| June | 67°F (20°C) | 4.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 3.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 3.0 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 2.8 in | |
| October | 47°F (9°C) | 2.0 in | |
| November | 32°F (0°C) | 0.9 in | |
| December | 20°F (-7°C) | 0.6 in |
New Elm Spring Colony has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.5").