Weather & Climate in Nickerson, NE
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Nickerson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.0 inches. The area receives 31.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,206 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,206 ft (368 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,505/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5347°N, 96.4709°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dodge County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.6.
| Feb 6, 1996 | 1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska | M3.6 | 140 km | 5 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 | 2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska | M3.6 | 136 km | 5 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 | 6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa | M3.5 | 127 km | 5 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 | 9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska | M3.4 | 66 km | 5 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 | 8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska | M2.7 | 121 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
637 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 530 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF4 | 39 km | 31.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF4 | 68 km | 11.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF4 | 74 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF4 | 72 km | 23.9 mi | 1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF4 | 82 km | 12.1 mi | 0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 | EF4 | 94 km | 24.7 mi | 0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 | EF4 | 83 km | 18.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 | EF4 | 92 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 | EF4 | 89 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 | EF4 | 71 km | 22.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 | EF4 | 73 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1975 | EF4 | 53 km | 8.0 mi | 3 |
| Aug 13, 1952 | EF4 | 36 km | 26.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 | EF4 | 31 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 75 km | 40.3 mi | 1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 76 km | 5.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 57 km | 19.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 73 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 87 km | 3.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 | EF3 | 42 km | 14.2 mi | 4 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (629 acres, 2010).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2010 | UNNAMED | 629 | 53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°F (-5°C) | 0.7 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.0 in | |
| March | 39°F (4°C) | 1.7 in | |
| April | 51°F (10°C) | 3.2 in | |
| May | 62°F (17°C) | 4.6 in | |
| June | 72°F (22°C) | 5.3 in | Wettest |
| July | 76°F (24°C) | 3.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 in | |
| September | 66°F (19°C) | 3.4 in | |
| October | 53°F (12°C) | 2.3 in | |
| November | 39°F (4°C) | 1.4 in | |
| December | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.2 in |
Nickerson has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (0.7").