Weather & Climate in Scranton, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Scranton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.3 inches. The area receives 31.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,178 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg | |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,178 ft (359 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 233/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0192°N, 94.5492°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Greene County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD) 41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| 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: M2.7.
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 101 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
682 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 16 fatalities, 288 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 | EF5 | 57 km | 21.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 | EF5 | 65 km | 0.1 mi | 1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 | EF4 | 92 km | 70.6 mi | 6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF4 | 83 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 30 km | 36.0 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 1995 | EF4 | 28 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1989 | EF4 | 65 km | 66.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 | EF4 | 84 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF4 | 68 km | 14.9 mi | 3 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF4 | 66 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 | EF4 | 83 km | 15.3 mi | 2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 | EF4 | 63 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 32 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 1959 | EF4 | 58 km | 41.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 | EF4 | 32 km | 9.9 mi | 1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 | EF3 | 33 km | 10.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 71 km | 10.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 73 km | 29.4 mi | 0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 | EF3 | 42 km | 17.6 mi | 1 |
| Apr 14, 1994 | EF3 | 84 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.3 in | |
| March | 36°F (2°C) | 2.0 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 3.6 in | |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 5.0 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 5.2 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 4.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 in | |
| September | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 in | |
| October | 51°F (11°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 36°F (2°C) | 1.7 in | |
| December | 24°F (-4°C) | 1.4 in |
Scranton has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (1.0").