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Weather & Climate in Owatonna, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Owatonna has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°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 44.2 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 1,134 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,134 ft (346 m) |
| Area | 14.6 sq mi (37.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,744/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0919°N, 93.2317°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Steele County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA) 3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M2.8.
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 63 km | 0 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
599 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 47 fatalities, 1,043 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 66 km | 16.9 mi | 1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 72 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 40 km | 20.1 mi | 6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 88 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 60 km | 38.7 mi | 5 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF4 | 99 km | 17.3 mi | 6 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF4 | 88 km | 6.9 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1965 | EF4 | 87 km | 12.3 mi | 3 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 96 km | 41.6 mi | 0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 | EF4 | 64 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 98 km | 162.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 27 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 37 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 46 km | 18.2 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF3 | 85 km | 33.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 94 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 78 km | 12.0 mi | 1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF3 | 63 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 | EF3 | 67 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF3 | 48 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 acres, 2024).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2024 | SNAKE TRAIL | 1,496 | 17 km |
| 2007 | BEAVER CUTOFF | 982 | 100 km |
| 2004 | EAGAN | 925 | 83 km |
| 1990 | UNNAMED | 598 | 41 km |
| 2024 | LINCOLN WPA RX | 575 | 84 km |
| 1995 | LV 68 CARVER | 532 | 77 km |
| 1990 | UNNAMED | 513 | 78 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 | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 in | Driest |
| March | 31°F (-1°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 2.9 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3.7 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 3.9 in | |
| July | 72°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) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 32°F (0°C) | 1.7 in | |
| December | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.1 in |
Owatonna has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.8").