Weather & Climate in Palo, MI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Palo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. The area receives 54.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 801 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.1°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 801 ft (244 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 584/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1107°N, 84.9861°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Gratiot County County |
| Nearest Airport | Capital Region International (LAN) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | No Rating |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.2.
| May 2, 2015 | 5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan | M4.2 | 104 km | 4 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 | 5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan | M3.5 | 47 km | 5 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 | 5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan | M3.3 | 107 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
353 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 133 fatalities, 1,267 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 | EF5 | 92 km | 18.9 mi | 116 |
| Apr 2, 1977 | EF4 | 76 km | 16.6 mi | 1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF4 | 25 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 40 km | 21.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 77 km | 20.6 mi | 5 |
| Aug 24, 2007 | EF3 | 59 km | 6.5 mi | 0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 | EF3 | 82 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 | EF3 | 98 km | 13.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 23, 1968 | EF3 | 77 km | 60.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF3 | 68 km | 13.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF3 | 57 km | 14.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF3 | 96 km | 14.2 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 | EF2 | 75 km | 12.0 mi | 2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 | EF2 | 68 km | 18.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 | EF2 | 91 km | 0.9 mi | 0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 | EF2 | 79 km | 19.0 mi | 2 |
| Aug 24, 2007 | EF2 | 91 km | 23.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 21, 2003 | EF2 | 83 km | 4.7 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 2001 | EF2 | 91 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1999 | EF2 | 86 km | 1.8 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°F (-5°C) | 2.2 in | Coldest |
| February | 24°F (-4°C) | 1.7 in | Driest |
| March | 33°F (1°C) | 2.2 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 3.3 in | |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 4.0 in | Wettest |
| June | 67°F (19°C) | 3.9 in | |
| July | 71°F (21°C) | 3.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (20°C) | 3.7 in | |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 3.0 in | |
| October | 49°F (10°C) | 3.6 in | |
| November | 38°F (3°C) | 2.8 in | |
| December | 28°F (-2°C) | 2.2 in |
Palo has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.7").