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Weather & Climate in Rugby, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Rugby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. The area gets 269 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 21.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,541 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 38.8°F |
| 28% below US avg | |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,541 ft (470 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,116/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.3654°N, 99.9902°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pierce County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL) 53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | Very Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
231 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 13 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 2008 | EF3 | 54 km | 20.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 1986 | EF3 | 77 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1958 | EF3 | 50 km | 10.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 | EF2 | 99 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 | EF2 | 22 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 | EF2 | 35 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 51 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 54 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 6, 1982 | EF2 | 85 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1976 | EF2 | 92 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 | EF2 | 96 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 | EF2 | 54 km | 11.4 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1974 | EF2 | 64 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 | EF2 | 1 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1972 | EF2 | 68 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 | EF2 | 89 km | 8.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 5, 1966 | EF2 | 86 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1965 | EF2 | 82 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1965 | EF2 | 66 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 | EF2 | 97 km | 0.1 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 | 56 km |
| 2000 | RED CROSS | 3,015 | 25 km |
| 2017 | NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 | 2,772 | 40 km |
| 1992 | CLARK II | 2,443 | 50 km |
| 2009 | COUNTY ROAD 17 | 2,291 | 41 km |
| 1994 | ASPEN | 1,994 | 42 km |
| 2008 | POOL 326 | 1,805 | 57 km |
| 2006 | BROWN WF | 1,430 | 89 km |
| 1985 | LAKE ALICE | 1,214 | 65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°F (-14°C) | 0.5 in | Coldest |
| February | 11°F (-11°C) | 0.4 in | Driest |
| March | 23°F (-5°C) | 0.7 in | |
| April | 40°F (4°C) | 1.5 in | |
| May | 54°F (12°C) | 2.0 in | |
| June | 63°F (17°C) | 2.9 in | Wettest |
| July | 68°F (20°C) | 2.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 67°F (19°C) | 2.3 in | |
| September | 56°F (13°C) | 1.9 in | |
| October | 44°F (6°C) | 1.1 in | |
| November | 25°F (-4°C) | 0.5 in | |
| December | 11°F (-12°C) | 0.5 in |
Rugby has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 6°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.9") and February the driest (0.4").