Weather & Climate in Rolla, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Rolla has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,798 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-15°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 36.5°F |
| 32% below US avg | |
| January Average | 6°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,798 ft (548 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 797/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.8436°N, 99.6094°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rolette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL) 60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 9.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Moderate |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively High |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
162 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 12 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 2008 | EF3 | 23 km | 20.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 1986 | EF3 | 73 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 | EF2 | 66 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 | EF2 | 32 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 96 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 94 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 | EF2 | 65 km | 11.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 | EF2 | 59 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1972 | EF2 | 55 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 | EF2 | 58 km | 8.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 5, 1966 | EF2 | 98 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1965 | EF2 | 6 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 6, 1959 | EF2 | 83 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 | EF1 | 63 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 17, 2020 | EF1 | 69 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 2020 | EF1 | 62 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 2018 | EF1 | 27 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 2018 | EF1 | 55 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 2018 | EF1 | 10 km | 3.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 | EF1 | 91 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (4,371 acres, 1989).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1989 | UNNAMED | 4,371 | 18 km |
| 2000 | RED CROSS | 3,015 | 70 km |
| 2017 | NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 | 2,772 | 74 km |
| 1992 | CLARK II | 2,443 | 12 km |
| 2009 | COUNTY ROAD 17 | 2,291 | 75 km |
| 1994 | ASPEN | 1,994 | 75 km |
| 2008 | POOL 326 | 1,805 | 83 km |
| 2021 | DAHL | 1,312 | 78 km |
| 1985 | LAKE ALICE | 1,214 | 69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°F (-15°C) | 0.4 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 9°F (-13°C) | 0.4 in | |
| March | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.7 in | |
| April | 36°F (2°C) | 1.1 in | |
| May | 50°F (10°C) | 2.9 in | |
| June | 60°F (15°C) | 3.7 in | Wettest |
| July | 64°F (18°C) | 3.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 63°F (17°C) | 2.7 in | |
| September | 54°F (12°C) | 1.7 in | |
| October | 40°F (4°C) | 1.2 in | |
| November | 24°F (-4°C) | 0.8 in | |
| December | 11°F (-12°C) | 0.7 in |
Rolla has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 6°F in January to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.4").