Weather & Climate in Starkweather, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Starkweather has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winters average 3°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 64°F. Annual precipitation totals 20.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 38.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,500 feet.
Temperature
3°F Jan (-16°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 37.3°F |
| 31% below US avg | |
| January Average | 3°F (-16°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,500 ft (457 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 362/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.4521°N, 98.8784°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ramsey County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL) 23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| 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
309 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 10 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 6, 1999 | EF4 | 83 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 7, 2008 | EF3 | 88 km | 20.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 | EF3 | 92 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1958 | EF3 | 90 km | 10.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 | EF2 | 70 km | 3.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 | EF2 | 67 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 | EF2 | 63 km | 18.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 | EF2 | 55 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 | EF2 | 76 km | 3.3 mi | 0 |
| May 19, 2004 | EF2 | 99 km | 0.7 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 72 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 72 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 6, 1999 | EF2 | 68 km | 3.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 6, 1999 | EF2 | 65 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 24, 1985 | EF2 | 60 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1976 | EF2 | 42 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 | EF2 | 89 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1974 | EF2 | 71 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 | EF2 | 82 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 29, 1972 | EF2 | 98 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (4,371 acres, 1989).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1989 | UNNAMED | 4,371 | 85 km |
| 1992 | CLARK II | 2,443 | 74 km |
| 2006 | BROWN WF | 1,430 | 57 km |
| 2021 | DAHL | 1,312 | 26 km |
| 1985 | LAKE ALICE | 1,214 | 22 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°F (-16°C) | 0.4 in | Coldest |
| February | 7°F (-14°C) | 0.4 in | Driest |
| March | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.7 in | |
| April | 38°F (3°C) | 1.3 in | |
| May | 52°F (11°C) | 3.0 in | |
| June | 62°F (17°C) | 4.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 67°F (19°C) | 3.5 in | Warmest |
| August | 65°F (18°C) | 2.5 in | |
| September | 56°F (13°C) | 2.1 in | |
| October | 41°F (5°C) | 1.4 in | |
| November | 24°F (-4°C) | 0.8 in | |
| December | 10°F (-12°C) | 0.6 in |
Starkweather has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 3°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (0.4").