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Weather & Climate in Riley, KS
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Riley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 302 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 33.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,284 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.6°F |
| 1% below US avg | |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,284 ft (391 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,620/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2992°N, 96.8278°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Riley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Manhattan Regional (MHK) 14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Moderate |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively High |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Very Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
140 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.8.
| Jul 17, 2022 | 8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska | M3.8 | 138 km | 3 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 | 15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas | M3.8 | 91 km | 5 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 | 8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas | M3.7 | 121 km | 5 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 | 5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas | M3.7 | 125 km | 5 km |
| May 6, 2021 | 5 km S of Formoso, Kansas | M3.6 | 111 km | 5 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 | 6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas | M3.6 | 124 km | 5 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 | 2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska | M3.6 | 148 km | 5 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 | 6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas | M3.5 | 65 km | 5 km |
| May 15, 2025 | 5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas | M3.5 | 66 km | 5 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 | 6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas | M3.5 | 60 km | 10 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 | Kansas | M3.5 | 142 km | 5 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 | 3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas | M3.4 | 128 km | 15 km |
| May 21, 2017 | 7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas | M3.4 | 123 km | 16 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 | 6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas | M3.4 | 90 km | 5 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 | 8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska | M3.4 | 137 km | 5 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 | 8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas | M3.3 | 63 km | 5 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 | 11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas | M3.3 | 141 km | 5 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 | 5 km SE of Formoso, Kansas | M3.3 | 108 km | 5 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 | 7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas | M3.3 | 122 km | 13 km |
| Aug 4, 2025 | 5 km E of Assaria, Kansas | M3.3 | 93 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
595 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 787 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 | EF5 | 89 km | 21.1 mi | 16 |
| May 25, 2016 | EF4 | 62 km | 25.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 | EF4 | 21 km | 8.6 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1962 | EF4 | 93 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
| May 19, 1960 | EF4 | 46 km | 20.6 mi | 0 |
| May 19, 1960 | EF4 | 77 km | 27.5 mi | 1 |
| May 20, 1957 | EF4 | 78 km | 44.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 | EF3 | 35 km | 2.2 mi | 1 |
| May 1, 2018 | EF3 | 99 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Oct 6, 2016 | EF3 | 80 km | 6.5 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 2015 | EF3 | 88 km | 1.9 mi | 0 |
| May 28, 2013 | EF3 | 81 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| May 28, 2013 | EF3 | 73 km | 4.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 | EF3 | 96 km | 16.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 | EF3 | 52 km | 15.3 mi | 1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 | EF3 | 86 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 | EF3 | 73 km | 24.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 17, 1985 | EF3 | 67 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1983 | EF3 | 94 km | 19.0 mi | 1 |
| May 31, 1978 | EF3 | 39 km | 37.0 mi | 3 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: ANNUAL BUR (60,039 acres, 1998).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1998 | ANNUAL BUR | 60,039 | 96 km |
| 2000 | WEST SIDE MVD | 18,701 | 93 km |
| 2016 | BURLEY HILL | 16,381 | 35 km |
| 2023 | WAGSTAFF | 16,111 | 68 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 15,512 | 80 km |
| 2010 | RANGE 51 | 13,760 | 16 km |
| 2001 | TALLGRASS 01 | 10,737 | 97 km |
| 2009 | MA-KILO | 8,935 | 6 km |
| 2024 | AXELTON-BURKLUND | 8,831 | 26 km |
| 2019 | 2019-3238A | 8,632 | 14 km |
| 2018 | ROCK WALL | 8,468 | 93 km |
| 2023 | SMITH HILLS | 8,445 | 40 km |
| 2002 | UNNAMED | 7,758 | 7 km |
| 2004 | TALLGRASS 04 | 7,733 | 97 km |
| 2005 | TALLGRASS 2005 | 7,510 | 97 km |
| 2013 | UNNAMED | 7,465 | 14 km |
| 2015 | IMPACT | 7,242 | 14 km |
| 2014 | MOYER RANCH | 6,641 | 34 km |
| 2003 | TAPR 03 | 6,548 | 97 km |
| 2002 | TALLGRASS 02 | 6,311 | 96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°F (-2°C) | 0.7 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 33°F (0°C) | 0.8 in | |
| March | 43°F (6°C) | 2.5 in | |
| April | 54°F (12°C) | 2.8 in | |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 4.9 in | |
| June | 73°F (23°C) | 5.2 in | Wettest |
| July | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 77°F (25°C) | 3.5 in | |
| September | 68°F (20°C) | 3.9 in | |
| October | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 in | |
| November | 42°F (6°C) | 1.8 in | |
| December | 31°F (-0°C) | 1.0 in |
Riley has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 28°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (0.7").