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Weather & Climate in Shellsburg, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Shellsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches. The area receives 34.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 775 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 775 ft (236 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 940/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0929°N, 91.8713°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Linn County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively High |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively High |
| Strong Wind | Very High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively High |
| Ice Storm | Relatively High |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
628 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 24 fatalities, 592 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 | EF5 | 97 km | 41.0 mi | 9 |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 64 km | 13.1 mi | 5 |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF4 | 88 km | 19.9 mi | 0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF4 | 40 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 43 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 46 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 | EF4 | 36 km | 4.7 mi | 1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 82 km | 91.5 mi | 1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 | EF4 | 10 km | 80.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 | EF3 | 95 km | 8.4 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2008 | EF3 | 58 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 2004 | EF3 | 6 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 11, 2000 | EF3 | 67 km | 18.6 mi | 1 |
| May 15, 1998 | EF3 | 91 km | 47.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF3 | 59 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 98 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 46 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 | EF3 | 62 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1988 | EF3 | 98 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF3 | 89 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (939 acres, 2009).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 939 | 41 km |
| 2010 | FOLEY | 786 | 39 km |
| 2011 | ACE AUTO | 676 | 35 km |
| 2011 | IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 | 510 | 44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 24°F (-5°C) | 1.0 in | |
| March | 36°F (2°C) | 2.2 in | |
| April | 49°F (10°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 61°F (16°C) | 4.0 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 4.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 74°F (24°C) | 4.1 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 4.3 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.9 in | |
| October | 52°F (11°C) | 2.5 in | |
| November | 37°F (3°C) | 2.1 in | |
| December | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.4 in |
Shellsburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.0").