Weather & Climate in Sesser, IL
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Sesser enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 8.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 480 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.9°F |
| 4% above US avg | |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 480 ft (146 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,828/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.0903°N, 89.0508°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Perry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cape Girardeau Regional (CGI) 68 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
132 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M5.2.
| Apr 18, 2008 | 7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois | M5.2 | 109 km | 14 km |
| Sep 26, 1990 | 4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri | M4.8 | 116 km | 1 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 | 9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois | M4.7 | 111 km | 15 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 | 6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana | M4.6 | 114 km | 16 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 | 2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois | M4.2 | 81 km | 16 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 | 1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky | M4.0 | 135 km | 3 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 | 7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois | M4.0 | 110 km | 18 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 | 7 km W of Evansville, Indiana | M3.9 | 125 km | 5 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 | 4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri | M3.9 | 139 km | 8 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 | 4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois | M3.8 | 106 km | 12 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 | 3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois | M3.8 | 148 km | 0 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 | 8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois | M3.7 | 110 km | 13 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 | 2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri | M3.7 | 147 km | 8 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 | 3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois | M3.6 | 62 km | 7 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 | 4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky | M3.6 | 130 km | 19 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 | 7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois | M3.6 | 108 km | 19 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 | 9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri | M3.6 | 135 km | 8 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 | 6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri | M3.5 | 137 km | 4 km |
| May 1, 2016 | 5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois | M3.5 | 98 km | 16 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 | 9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois | M3.4 | 85 km | 0 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
520 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 63 fatalities, 1,004 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 | EF5 | 18 km | 5.4 mi | 1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 | EF4 | 93 km | 53.5 mi | 1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 | EF4 | 51 km | 10.6 mi | 2 |
| Feb 29, 2012 | EF4 | 56 km | 26.1 mi | 8 |
| Sep 22, 2006 | EF4 | 82 km | 27.5 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 2003 | EF4 | 91 km | 33.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 2, 1990 | EF4 | 74 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 | EF4 | 54 km | 106.0 mi | 1 |
| May 29, 1982 | EF4 | 33 km | 17.0 mi | 10 |
| Dec 18, 1957 | EF4 | 21 km | 16.8 mi | 1 |
| Dec 18, 1957 | EF4 | 58 km | 28.3 mi | 11 |
| May 26, 2024 | EF3 | 57 km | 4.9 mi | 0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 | EF3 | 82 km | 44.1 mi | 1 |
| Mar 11, 2006 | EF3 | 89 km | 53.5 mi | 2 |
| May 6, 2003 | EF3 | 96 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 | EF3 | 87 km | 22.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 | EF3 | 84 km | 19.3 mi | 1 |
| Apr 21, 2002 | EF3 | 40 km | 31.5 mi | 1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 | EF3 | 27 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 | EF3 | 82 km | 11.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (2,286 acres, 2019).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2019 | UNNAMED | 2,286 | 88 km |
| 2021 | RED SHALE UNIT RX | 2,123 | 46 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 1,627 | 80 km |
| 2019 | ATWOOD RIDGE RX | 1,622 | 80 km |
| 2021 | GAP VIEW RX | 1,575 | 80 km |
| 2022 | DENNISON HOLLOW RX | 1,573 | 73 km |
| 2021 | UNNAMED | 1,510 | 76 km |
| 2022 | ONE HORSE GAP RX | 1,502 | 83 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 1,493 | 73 km |
| 2015 | UNNAMED | 1,447 | 74 km |
| 2021 | BEATTY BRANCH RX | 1,396 | 86 km |
| 2016 | UNNAMED | 1,299 | 83 km |
| 2024 | RED SHALE RX | 1,259 | 47 km |
| 2017 | UNNAMED | 1,257 | 90 km |
| 2021 | OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX | 1,235 | 90 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 1,216 | 84 km |
| 2019 | KINKAID RX | 1,215 | 46 km |
| 2013 | UNNAMED | 1,203 | 82 km |
| 2022 | KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX | 1,115 | 46 km |
| 2024 | PINE HOLLOW RX | 1,038 | 86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.2 in | Coldest |
| February | 34°F (1°C) | 2.8 in | Driest |
| March | 45°F (7°C) | 4.2 in | |
| April | 57°F (14°C) | 5.4 in | Wettest |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 5.1 in | |
| June | 76°F (24°C) | 4.5 in | |
| July | 78°F (26°C) | 4.0 in | Warmest |
| August | 77°F (25°C) | 3.4 in | |
| September | 69°F (21°C) | 3.2 in | |
| October | 58°F (14°C) | 3.4 in | |
| November | 45°F (7°C) | 4.0 in | |
| December | 35°F (2°C) | 2.9 in |
Sesser has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 31°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.0 inches, with April being the wettest month (5.4") and February the driest (2.8").