Weather & Climate in River Forest, IN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
River Forest experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.8 inches. The area receives 20.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. 72% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 872 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.6°F |
| 3% below US avg | |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 872 ft (266 m) |
| Area | 0.0 sq mi (0.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 550/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1106°N, 85.7292°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Madison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Delaware County Regional (MIE) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 72.1% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.8.
| Jun 17, 2021 | Illinois-Indiana border region | M3.8 | 136 km | 6 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 | 4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana | M3.8 | 57 km | 2 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 | 5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana | M3.7 | 96 km | 5 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 | 4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana | M3.6 | 95 km | 5 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 | Illinois-Indiana border region | M3.2 | 112 km | 10 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 | 8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio | M3.0 | 84 km | 5 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 | 2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio | M2.9 | 117 km | 5 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 | 6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio | M2.6 | 125 km | 5 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 | 2 km S of Rockford, Ohio | M2.5 | 111 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
600 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 71 fatalities, 1,666 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 11, 1998 | EF4 | 41 km | 13.2 mi | 0 |
| Jul 9, 1980 | EF4 | 59 km | 11.0 mi | 2 |
| Apr 3, 1974 | EF4 | 40 km | 18.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 | EF4 | 41 km | 18.9 mi | 0 |
| May 14, 1972 | EF4 | 48 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 97 km | 21.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 57 km | 52.5 mi | 4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 98 km | 45.7 mi | 28 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 64 km | 48.0 mi | 25 |
| Apr 25, 1961 | EF4 | 59 km | 63.1 mi | 0 |
| Mar 6, 1956 | EF4 | 53 km | 1.9 mi | 1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 | EF3 | 52 km | 41.3 mi | 1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF3 | 43 km | 6.4 mi | 0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF3 | 71 km | 5.5 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 2019 | EF3 | 59 km | 12.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 | EF3 | 55 km | 8.6 mi | 0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 | EF3 | 97 km | 37.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 | EF3 | 70 km | 7.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 3, 2008 | EF3 | 73 km | 9.7 mi | 1 |
| Nov 15, 2005 | EF3 | 88 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (1,102 acres, 2007).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 1,102 | 92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°F (-2°C) | 3.0 in | Coldest |
| February | 32°F (-0°C) | 2.5 in | Driest |
| March | 41°F (5°C) | 3.5 in | |
| April | 53°F (11°C) | 4.1 in | |
| May | 63°F (17°C) | 4.6 in | |
| June | 71°F (22°C) | 5.2 in | Wettest |
| July | 74°F (24°C) | 4.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 73°F (23°C) | 3.4 in | |
| September | 66°F (19°C) | 3.1 in | |
| October | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 in | |
| November | 43°F (6°C) | 3.7 in | |
| December | 33°F (0°C) | 3.0 in |
River Forest has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 28°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.2") and February the driest (2.5").