Weather & Climate in Terril, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Terril has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,426 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,426 ft (435 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 661/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3058°N, 94.9689°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Emmet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD) 65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.8.
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 125 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 55 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
543 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 195 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF4 | 65 km | 3.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF4 | 81 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF4 | 85 km | 73.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF4 | 81 km | 14.9 mi | 3 |
| Aug 29, 1964 | EF4 | 74 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 | EF4 | 95 km | 24.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 88 km | 29.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 | EF3 | 69 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 | EF3 | 45 km | 6.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 | EF3 | 74 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 | EF3 | 62 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 | EF3 | 23 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 | EF3 | 59 km | 15.9 mi | 2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 | EF3 | 18 km | 14.9 mi | 0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 | EF3 | 52 km | 11.2 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 46 km | 8.6 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 29 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 80 km | 46.5 mi | 0 |
| Sep 22, 1968 | EF3 | 95 km | 4.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 | EF3 | 87 km | 30.7 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 acres, 2008).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2008 | DEWEYS PASTURE | 641 | 14 km |
| 2024 | LINCOLN WPA RX | 575 | 98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-10°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest |
| February | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.5 in | Driest |
| March | 32°F (-0°C) | 1.5 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 3.1 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 4.5 in | |
| June | 68°F (20°C) | 4.6 in | Wettest |
| July | 71°F (21°C) | 3.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 68°F (20°C) | 3.3 in | |
| September | 61°F (16°C) | 3.1 in | |
| October | 47°F (9°C) | 2.5 in | |
| November | 33°F (0°C) | 1.4 in | |
| December | 20°F (-7°C) | 0.5 in |
Terril has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.5").