Weather & Climate in Otho, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Otho experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.1 inches. The area receives 39.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,122 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,122 ft (342 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 902/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4222°N, 94.1494°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Webster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD) 9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively High |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very 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: M2.7.
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 90 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
646 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 35 fatalities, 1,029 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 | EF5 | 59 km | 21.3 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 93 km | 62.1 mi | 13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 | EF5 | 59 km | 9.7 mi | 6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF4 | 67 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 73 km | 36.0 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 83 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1989 | EF4 | 82 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1989 | EF4 | 35 km | 66.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 | EF4 | 87 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF4 | 44 km | 14.9 mi | 3 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF4 | 12 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 | EF4 | 89 km | 15.3 mi | 2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 | EF4 | 11 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 30 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 56 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 | EF4 | 50 km | 9.9 mi | 1 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 89 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 | EF3 | 55 km | 10.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 | EF3 | 100 km | 8.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 | EF3 | 64 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16°F (-9°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.2 in | |
| March | 34°F (1°C) | 2.0 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 3.7 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 4.6 in | |
| June | 69°F (21°C) | 5.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 4.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 4.3 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 2.8 in | |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 35°F (2°C) | 1.9 in | |
| December | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.5 in |
Otho has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.0").