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Weather & Climate in Shaft, MD
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Shaft experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 293 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 45.2 inches. The area receives 72.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,771 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg | |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,771 ft (540 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 377/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6223°N, 78.9429°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Allegany County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Very Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.6.
| Jul 16, 2010 | 5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland | M3.6 | 138 km | 7 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 | 3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia | M3.0 | 101 km | 5 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 | 4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania | M2.5 | 141 km | 4 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
187 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 127 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 | EF4 | 53 km | 36.5 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1998 | EF3 | 18 km | 13.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 | EF3 | 83 km | 29.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 | EF3 | 94 km | 11.8 mi | 1 |
| May 19, 1967 | EF3 | 43 km | 0.3 mi | 1 |
| Aug 25, 2023 | EF2 | 58 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 | EF2 | 99 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 | EF2 | 70 km | 1.6 mi | 0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 | EF2 | 100 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 | EF2 | 83 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 | EF2 | 83 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 | EF2 | 35 km | 15.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 | EF2 | 29 km | 15.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 | EF2 | 62 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 | EF2 | 85 km | 3.5 mi | 0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 | EF2 | 77 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| May 12, 1980 | EF2 | 94 km | 2.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 | EF2 | 54 km | 8.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 4, 1975 | EF2 | 90 km | 0.8 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 | EF2 | 78 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: WAITES RUN (5,496 acres, 2024).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2024 | WAITES RUN | 5,496 | 72 km |
| 2024 | CAPON | 2,302 | 94 km |
| 2001 | NEW CREEK MTN | 1,689 | 74 km |
| 2024 | DOVE HOLLOW | 1,634 | 80 km |
| 2020 | UNNAMED | 1,572 | 82 km |
| 2013 | SMOKE HOLE FIRE | 1,436 | 90 km |
| 2019 | DRY HOLLOW | 1,327 | 93 km |
| 2012 | POINT 2 | 1,126 | 98 km |
| 2000 | BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. | 1,055 | 84 km |
| 2014 | BEAR DEN | 945 | 34 km |
| 2024 | SPRING RUN | 847 | 80 km |
| 2024 | GRACE MOUNTAIN | 760 | 94 km |
| 2012 | WOLF GAP | 710 | 81 km |
| 1994 | ELKHORN TOWER | 696 | 79 km |
| 1984 | UNNAMED | 696 | 92 km |
| 2022 | UNNAMED | 618 | 100 km |
| 2001 | SOUTH BRANCH | 519 | 50 km |
| 2005 | UNNAMED | 510 | 28 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°F (-3°C) | 2.6 in | Coldest |
| February | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.5 in | Driest |
| March | 38°F (3°C) | 3.4 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 in | |
| May | 58°F (15°C) | 3.9 in | Wettest |
| June | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 in | |
| July | 69°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 3.5 in | |
| September | 62°F (17°C) | 3.2 in | |
| October | 51°F (11°C) | 2.9 in | |
| November | 41°F (5°C) | 3.1 in | |
| December | 32°F (0°C) | 2.9 in |
Shaft has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 26°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (2.5").