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Weather & Climate in The Lakes, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
The Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 276 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 29.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,526 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,526 ft (465 m) |
| Area | 43.4 sq mi (112.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 20/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1049°N, 95.6702°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Murray County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | 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: M3.1.
| Feb 9, 1994 | 6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota | M3.1 | 113 km | 5 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 | Near Mankato, Minnesota | M2.8 | 133 km | 0 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 | 4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa | M2.7 | 149 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
444 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 331 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF5 | 44 km | 16.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 | EF5 | 10 km | 9.1 mi | 9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | EF4 | 77 km | 13.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 25, 2000 | EF4 | 88 km | 9.0 mi | 1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 | EF4 | 21 km | 73.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF4 | 25 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 7, 1955 | EF4 | 59 km | 30.0 mi | 1 |
| Aug 1, 2006 | EF3 | 79 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 | EF3 | 72 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 36 km | 13.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 16 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 76 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 12 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 76 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 | EF3 | 41 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 87 km | 8.6 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 1971 | EF3 | 86 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| May 12, 2022 | EF2 | 97 km | 0.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 18, 2017 | EF2 | 85 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 | EF2 | 42 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°F (-10°C) | 0.6 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 18°F (-8°C) | 0.7 in | |
| March | 30°F (-1°C) | 1.8 in | |
| April | 44°F (7°C) | 2.6 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 3.2 in | |
| June | 67°F (20°C) | 3.7 in | Wettest |
| July | 72°F (22°C) | 3.6 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 2.9 in | |
| September | 60°F (16°C) | 3.1 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.1 in | |
| November | 31°F (-1°C) | 1.3 in | |
| December | 17°F (-8°C) | 0.8 in |
The Lakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.6").