Weather & Climate in Ridgeway, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Ridgeway has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches. The area receives 40.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,221 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,221 ft (372 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 350/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2971°N, 91.9924°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Winneshiek County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY) 35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
485 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 11 fatalities, 396 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 70 km | 13.1 mi | 5 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF4 | 38 km | 10.9 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 95 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF4 | 97 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 67 km | 41.6 mi | 0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 | EF4 | 83 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1953 | EF4 | 37 km | 162.0 mi | 2 |
| May 25, 2008 | EF3 | 78 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 47 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| May 11, 2000 | EF3 | 94 km | 18.6 mi | 1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF3 | 82 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 | EF3 | 21 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF3 | 62 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 | EF3 | 75 km | 26.9 mi | 0 |
| May 28, 1974 | EF3 | 99 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF3 | 84 km | 15.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 | EF3 | 29 km | 0.1 mi | 1 |
| Apr 30, 1967 | EF3 | 98 km | 17.2 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF3 | 23 km | 65.2 mi | 0 |
| May 7, 1964 | EF3 | 78 km | 2.3 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 | 96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-10°C) | 1.1 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 1.2 in | |
| March | 32°F (-0°C) | 1.9 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 3.7 in | |
| May | 57°F (14°C) | 4.5 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 6.3 in | Wettest |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 4.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 4.6 in | |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 3.8 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.9 in | |
| November | 34°F (1°C) | 1.9 in | |
| December | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.4 in |
Ridgeway has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (6.3") and January the driest (1.1").