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Weather & Climate in Sanborn, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Sanborn has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.1 inches. The area receives 41.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,554 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,554 ft (474 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 803/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1814°N, 95.6553°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | O'Brien County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD) 61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 16.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| 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: M2.7.
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 60 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
605 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 7 fatalities, 191 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF5 | 75 km | 16.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF4 | 82 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF4 | 37 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF4 | 86 km | 73.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF4 | 88 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 | EF4 | 51 km | 24.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 97 km | 10.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 85 km | 29.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 60 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 | EF3 | 36 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 | EF3 | 88 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 | EF3 | 41 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1979 | EF3 | 92 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 | EF3 | 66 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 | EF3 | 72 km | 14.9 mi | 0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 | EF3 | 22 km | 11.2 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 24 km | 46.5 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 34 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 19 km | 8.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 26, 1969 | EF3 | 95 km | 22.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 acres, 2008).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.8 in | |
| March | 32°F (0°C) | 1.8 in | |
| April | 46°F (8°C) | 2.6 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3.4 in | |
| June | 69°F (20°C) | 4.1 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 3.6 in | Warmest |
| August | 70°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 3.3 in | |
| October | 49°F (9°C) | 2.0 in | |
| November | 32°F (0°C) | 1.1 in | |
| December | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 in |
Sanborn has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.5").