Weather & Climate in Tappen, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Tappen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,770 feet.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.3°F |
| 25% below US avg | |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,770 ft (539 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 251/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8716°N, 99.6271°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kidder County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS) 45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | 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 | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
259 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 5 fatalities, 74 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 | EF5 | 92 km | 14.8 mi | 2 |
| Jul 18, 2004 | EF4 | 95 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 11, 2002 | EF4 | 26 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 | EF4 | 69 km | 48.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 17, 2011 | EF3 | 87 km | 16.2 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 1978 | EF3 | 97 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 | EF3 | 69 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1974 | EF3 | 96 km | 17.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 | EF3 | 92 km | 8.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 | EF3 | 98 km | 26.4 mi | 2 |
| Jul 1, 1955 | EF3 | 75 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 | EF3 | 59 km | 1.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 | EF2 | 54 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 17, 2001 | EF2 | 29 km | 30.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 | EF2 | 28 km | 15.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 | EF2 | 21 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF2 | 62 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 1982 | EF2 | 27 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 1976 | EF2 | 77 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 | EF2 | 34 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: MCCLEAN BOTTOMS (6,421 acres, 2003).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2003 | MCCLEAN BOTTOMS | 6,421 | 80 km |
| 1994 | CHICAGOLAKE | 4,606 | 25 km |
| 2015 | CANNON BALL | 3,068 | 95 km |
| 2004 | FISCHER | 2,578 | 97 km |
| 2008 | GRADER | 1,745 | 56 km |
| 2002 | BISRURAL2 | 1,649 | 81 km |
| 2015 | BIG LAKE FIRE | 1,587 | 93 km |
| 1993 | UNNAMED | 1,492 | 79 km |
| 1985 | CHASE LAKE | 1,215 | 19 km |
| 2018 | EAST JIM LAKE | 1,214 | 70 km |
| 2002 | BALE II | 1,179 | 96 km |
| 2006 | RICE LAKE 1 | 1,150 | 53 km |
| 2017 | NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 | 1,148 | 71 km |
| 2002 | UNNAMED | 1,049 | 82 km |
| 2005 | KIMBALL BOTTOMS FIRE | 1,028 | 83 km |
| 2000 | MAC2 | 1,018 | 91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°F (-13°C) | 0.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.5 in | |
| March | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.9 in | |
| April | 40°F (4°C) | 1.4 in | |
| May | 53°F (12°C) | 2.9 in | |
| June | 63°F (17°C) | 3.7 in | Wettest |
| July | 69°F (20°C) | 3.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 67°F (20°C) | 2.4 in | |
| September | 58°F (14°C) | 2.3 in | |
| October | 43°F (6°C) | 1.7 in | |
| November | 28°F (-2°C) | 0.6 in | |
| December | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.6 in |
Tappen has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 9°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").