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Weather & Climate in Sanborn, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Sanborn has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. 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 21.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,452 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 40.5°F |
| 25% below US avg | |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,452 ft (443 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 198/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.9428°N, 98.2238°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Barnes County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
414 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 11 fatalities, 142 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 | EF5 | 67 km | 52.4 mi | 10 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF4 | 96 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 | EF4 | 98 km | 5.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 18, 2004 | EF4 | 22 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 11, 2002 | EF4 | 82 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 | EF3 | 59 km | 16.2 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 | EF3 | 94 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 | EF3 | 84 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 | EF3 | 78 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1974 | EF3 | 50 km | 17.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 | EF3 | 99 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 | EF3 | 74 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 | EF3 | 68 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 | EF3 | 28 km | 8.5 mi | 0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 | EF3 | 18 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 | EF3 | 34 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 | EF3 | 28 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 | EF2 | 85 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 | EF2 | 95 km | 26.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 2011 | EF2 | 82 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: CHICAGOLAKE (4,606 acres, 1994).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1994 | CHICAGOLAKE | 4,606 | 91 km |
| 2021 | BIESTERFELD | 3,481 | 88 km |
| 2008 | GRADER | 1,745 | 85 km |
| 2003 | OLERUD | 1,275 | 90 km |
| 1985 | CHASE LAKE | 1,215 | 94 km |
| 2018 | EAST JIM LAKE | 1,214 | 54 km |
| 2017 | NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 | 1,148 | 58 km |
| 1985 | ALICE 02 | 1,142 | 58 km |
| 2006 | FULLERS LAKE 06 | 1,109 | 60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°F (-13°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest |
| February | 14°F (-10°C) | 0.4 in | Driest |
| March | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.9 in | |
| April | 42°F (5°C) | 1.7 in | |
| May | 56°F (13°C) | 2.3 in | |
| June | 65°F (18°C) | 3.4 in | Wettest |
| July | 69°F (21°C) | 2.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 68°F (20°C) | 2.4 in | |
| September | 58°F (14°C) | 2.1 in | |
| October | 45°F (7°C) | 1.4 in | |
| November | 27°F (-3°C) | 0.6 in | |
| December | 12°F (-11°C) | 0.5 in |
Sanborn has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 8°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.4").