Weather & Climate in Rankin, IL
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Rankin experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.9 inches. The area receives 20.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 720 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg | |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 720 ft (219 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 966/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4644°N, 87.8959°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Iroquois County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV) 24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.2.
| Jun 28, 2004 | 12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois | M4.2 | 139 km | 10 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 | Illinois-Indiana border region | M3.8 | 88 km | 6 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 | 5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana | M3.7 | 145 km | 5 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 | 4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana | M3.6 | 125 km | 5 km |
| May 13, 2025 | 7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois | M3.3 | 128 km | 10 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 | 1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois | M3.2 | 149 km | 1 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 | Illinois-Indiana border region | M3.2 | 85 km | 10 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 | 2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois | M3.1 | 148 km | 10 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 | 3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana | M3.1 | 115 km | 5 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 | 6 km W of Dwight, Illinois | M2.6 | 86 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
676 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 33 fatalities, 760 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 | EF4 | 80 km | 14.0 mi | 3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 | EF4 | 76 km | 16.7 mi | 0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 | EF4 | 65 km | 108.7 mi | 18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 92 km | 21.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 | EF4 | 81 km | 57.3 mi | 1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 | EF3 | 91 km | 37.9 mi | 0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 | EF3 | 79 km | 18.7 mi | 0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 | EF3 | 34 km | 29.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 | EF3 | 100 km | 8.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 | EF3 | 68 km | 7.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 | EF3 | 53 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 | EF3 | 39 km | 2.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 | EF3 | 66 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 | EF3 | 82 km | 18.1 mi | 1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 | EF3 | 78 km | 27.4 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 | EF3 | 62 km | 38.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 20, 1974 | EF3 | 99 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 | EF3 | 62 km | 7.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 | EF3 | 61 km | 5.9 mi | 1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 | EF3 | 59 km | 14.9 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 acres, 2000).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2000 | UNNAMED | 1,602 | 64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°F (-3°C) | 2.1 in | Coldest |
| February | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.0 in | Driest |
| March | 41°F (5°C) | 2.8 in | |
| April | 53°F (11°C) | 4.0 in | |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 4.8 in | |
| June | 72°F (22°C) | 4.9 in | Wettest |
| July | 75°F (24°C) | 4.6 in | Warmest |
| August | 73°F (23°C) | 4.0 in | |
| September | 67°F (19°C) | 3.4 in | |
| October | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 in | |
| November | 42°F (5°C) | 2.9 in | |
| December | 31°F (-1°C) | 2.1 in |
Rankin has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 26°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.9") and February the driest (2.0").