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Weather & Climate in Palmer, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Palmer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches. The area receives 38.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,239 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,239 ft (378 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 271/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6301°N, 94.5985°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pocahontas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| 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 | 47 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
586 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 431 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 | EF5 | 98 km | 21.3 mi | 0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 | EF5 | 80 km | 9.7 mi | 6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF4 | 24 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 95 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 67 km | 36.0 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1989 | EF4 | 78 km | 66.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF4 | 0 km | 14.9 mi | 3 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF4 | 38 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 | EF4 | 36 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 38 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 44 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 | EF4 | 40 km | 9.9 mi | 1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 | EF3 | 44 km | 10.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 | EF3 | 80 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 64 km | 10.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 45 km | 29.4 mi | 0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 | EF3 | 67 km | 17.6 mi | 1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 46 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 | EF3 | 95 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 | EF3 | 92 km | 7.7 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 acres, 2008).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°F (-9°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest |
| February | 22°F (-6°C) | 0.7 in | Driest |
| March | 34°F (1°C) | 2.1 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 3.0 in | |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 4.0 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 4.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 4.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (21°C) | 4.0 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.4 in | |
| October | 51°F (10°C) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 34°F (1°C) | 1.5 in | |
| December | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.0 in |
Palmer has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.7").