Weather & Climate in Patterson, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Patterson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.8 inches. The area receives 30.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 877 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg | |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 877 ft (267 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 651/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3484°N, 93.8776°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Warren County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM) 14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| 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: M3.1.
| Feb 11, 1995 | 6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri | M3.1 | 130 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
670 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 346 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 | EF5 | 65 km | 21.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 | EF5 | 70 km | 0.1 mi | 1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 | EF4 | 30 km | 70.6 mi | 6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF4 | 51 km | 56.0 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 80 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 55 km | 57.0 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1989 | EF4 | 82 km | 49.0 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1989 | EF4 | 98 km | 66.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 | EF4 | 50 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 | EF4 | 81 km | 31.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 | EF4 | 48 km | 15.3 mi | 2 |
| May 20, 1959 | EF4 | 95 km | 17.2 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1959 | EF4 | 65 km | 41.1 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 70 km | 6.4 mi | 0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 | EF3 | 61 km | 11.3 mi | 1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 | EF3 | 31 km | 5.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 | EF3 | 79 km | 9.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 | EF3 | 67 km | 11.1 mi | 0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 | EF3 | 93 km | 17.6 mi | 1 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 43 km | 39.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 acres, 2016).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2016 | NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 | 1,050 | 56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°F (-7°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 24°F (-4°C) | 1.3 in | |
| March | 36°F (2°C) | 2.1 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 3.6 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 5.0 in | Wettest |
| June | 69°F (21°C) | 4.6 in | |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 3.6 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.6 in | |
| October | 51°F (10°C) | 2.9 in | |
| November | 37°F (3°C) | 2.0 in | |
| December | 26°F (-4°C) | 1.2 in |
Patterson has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.8").