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Weather & Climate in Russell, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Russell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 276 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 28.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,497 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,497 ft (456 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 351/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3204°N, 95.9440°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lyon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML) 11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.1.
| Feb 9, 1994 | 6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota | M3.1 | 106 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
416 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 318 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF5 | 58 km | 16.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 | EF5 | 23 km | 9.1 mi | 9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF4 | 98 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 25, 2000 | EF4 | 68 km | 9.0 mi | 1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF4 | 53 km | 73.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF4 | 41 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 | EF4 | 27 km | 30.0 mi | 1 |
| May 30, 2022 | EF3 | 88 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 | EF3 | 95 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF3 | 96 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 | EF3 | 89 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 98 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 52 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 31 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 52 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 46 km | 13.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 26 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 | EF3 | 48 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1970 | EF3 | 82 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 2022 | EF2 | 81 km | 12.4 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE (2,067 acres, 2003).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2003 | CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE | 2,067 | 92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°F (-10°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.6 in | |
| March | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.7 in | |
| April | 44°F (7°C) | 2.4 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 3.1 in | |
| June | 67°F (20°C) | 3.7 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 3.6 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 2.7 in | |
| September | 60°F (15°C) | 2.8 in | |
| October | 47°F (9°C) | 2.0 in | |
| November | 31°F (-1°C) | 1.3 in | |
| December | 17°F (-8°C) | 0.8 in |
Russell has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 14°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.6").