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Weather & Climate in Salem, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Salem experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 38.5 inches. The area receives 24.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 712 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg | |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 712 ft (217 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 576/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8522°N, 91.6207°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Henry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
492 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 274 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF4 | 61 km | 19.9 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF4 | 40 km | 50.0 mi | 0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF4 | 92 km | 25.7 mi | 0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF3 | 64 km | 26.1 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 2019 | EF3 | 38 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 | EF3 | 59 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 68 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 58 km | 7.5 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1998 | EF3 | 48 km | 47.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 | EF3 | 84 km | 6.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 | EF3 | 99 km | 48.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 | EF3 | 66 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 | EF3 | 91 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 1973 | EF3 | 49 km | 3.6 mi | 2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF3 | 59 km | 9.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF3 | 31 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 | EF3 | 44 km | 19.4 mi | 2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF3 | 32 km | 4.3 mi | 1 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF3 | 39 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1965 | EF3 | 72 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 acres, 1999).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1999 | UNIT 3 | 1,206 | 53 km |
| 2002 | HSB 03 2 | 1,130 | 53 km |
| 2000 | DESTRUST A | 756 | 53 km |
| 2006 | HSB 003 | 674 | 53 km |
| 2004 | HSB 009 | 608 | 53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.3 in | Coldest |
| February | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.2 in | Driest |
| March | 39°F (4°C) | 2.6 in | |
| April | 52°F (11°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 62°F (17°C) | 4.3 in | |
| June | 71°F (22°C) | 4.0 in | |
| July | 74°F (23°C) | 4.5 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 73°F (23°C) | 4.1 in | |
| September | 66°F (19°C) | 4.3 in | |
| October | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 in | |
| November | 40°F (4°C) | 2.5 in | |
| December | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.9 in |
Salem has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.2").