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Weather & Climate in Plainview, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Plainview 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 48.3 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 1,167 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,167 ft (356 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,636/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1647°N, 92.1692°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wabasha County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| 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 | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| 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: M2.8.
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 146 km | 0 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
441 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 42 fatalities, 302 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF5 | 83 km | 33.7 mi | 21 |
| Sep 16, 1962 | EF4 | 31 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 98 km | 59.2 mi | 4 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 82 km | 162.0 mi | 2 |
| Sep 24, 2019 | EF3 | 87 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 97 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF3 | 84 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 90 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1998 | EF3 | 53 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 | EF3 | 80 km | 10.0 mi | 2 |
| Jul 19, 1994 | EF3 | 96 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 | EF3 | 63 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 | EF3 | 90 km | 1.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 | EF3 | 94 km | 26.9 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF3 | 75 km | 65.2 mi | 0 |
| May 26, 1959 | EF3 | 63 km | 34.3 mi | 0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 | EF3 | 52 km | 24.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 12, 2022 | EF2 | 80 km | 3.9 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 2018 | EF2 | 95 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2011 | EF2 | 74 km | 13.8 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 acres, 2007).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2007 | BEAVER CUTOFF | 982 | 15 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 (-0°C) | 2.0 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 3.1 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 3.7 in | |
| June | 67°F (20°C) | 4.1 in | |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 4.7 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 69°F (20°C) | 4.2 in | |
| September | 60°F (16°C) | 3.9 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 32°F (0°C) | 1.9 in | |
| December | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.3 in |
Plainview has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (0.8").