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Weather & Climate in Northfield, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Northfield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches. The area receives 43.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 936 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.5°F |
| 18% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 936 ft (285 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,421/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4556°N, 93.1703°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rice County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA) 23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively 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: M2.8.
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 73 km | 0 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
593 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 67 fatalities, 1,280 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF5 | 83 km | 33.7 mi | 21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 | EF4 | 86 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 78 km | 20.1 mi | 6 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF4 | 58 km | 12.3 mi | 3 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF4 | 61 km | 17.3 mi | 6 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF4 | 52 km | 6.9 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF4 | 65 km | 6.8 mi | 3 |
| Sep 16, 1962 | EF4 | 79 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 78 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 67 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 86 km | 18.2 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2008 | EF3 | 81 km | 6.0 mi | 1 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF3 | 90 km | 33.0 mi | 1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 82 km | 12.0 mi | 1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 64 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1997 | EF3 | 100 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 | EF3 | 38 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 | EF3 | 81 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF3 | 89 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 | EF3 | 63 km | 5.5 mi | 1 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (2,904 acres, 2009).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 2,904 | 90 km |
| 2024 | SNAKE TRAIL | 1,496 | 44 km |
| 2007 | BEAVER CUTOFF | 982 | 100 km |
| 2004 | EAGAN | 925 | 43 km |
| 1990 | UNNAMED | 598 | 16 km |
| 2024 | LINCOLN WPA RX | 575 | 100 km |
| 1995 | LV 68 CARVER | 532 | 46 km |
| 1990 | UNNAMED | 513 | 39 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°F (-10°C) | 0.9 in | Coldest |
| February | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.8 in | Driest |
| March | 31°F (-1°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 2.8 in | |
| May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.7 in | |
| June | 67°F (20°C) | 3.9 in | |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 4.1 in | |
| September | 60°F (16°C) | 3.5 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.3 in | |
| November | 32°F (0°C) | 1.7 in | |
| December | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.1 in |
Northfield has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.8").