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Weather & Climate in Tonkawa, OK
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Tonkawa enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 954 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 58.5°F |
| 8% above US avg | |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 954 ft (291 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 731/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.6706°N, 97.3150°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ponca City Regional (PNC) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively High |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively High |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6,750 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M5.8.
| Sep 3, 2016 | 14 km NW of Pawnee, Oklahoma | M5.8 | 44 km | 6 km |
| Feb 13, 2016 | 18 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma | M5.1 | 126 km | 8 km |
| Feb 3, 2024 | 8 km NW of Prague, Oklahoma | M5.1 | 136 km | 3 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 | 16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma | M4.7 | 127 km | 4 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 | 8 km NNE of Marshall, Oklahoma | M4.6 | 55 km | 5 km |
| Apr 7, 2018 | 5 km WNW of Lucien, Oklahoma | M4.6 | 46 km | 6 km |
| Jan 31, 2022 | 7 km NW of Medford, Oklahoma | M4.5 | 47 km | 8 km |
| Dec 7, 2013 | 8 km SW of Arcadia, Oklahoma | M4.5 | 118 km | 8 km |
| Jul 27, 2015 | 4 km NNE of Crescent, Oklahoma | M4.5 | 79 km | 5 km |
| Aug 19, 2014 | 12 km SSW of Guthrie, Oklahoma | M4.4 | 101 km | 5 km |
| Jun 9, 2018 | 8 km E of Nescatunga, Oklahoma | M4.4 | 67 km | 10 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 | 16 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma | M4.4 | 129 km | 7 km |
| May 17, 2019 | 8 km E of Pond Creek, Oklahoma | M4.4 | 35 km | 5 km |
| Jul 20, 2015 | 7 km SSE of Byron, Oklahoma | M4.4 | 86 km | 4 km |
| Apr 16, 2013 | Oklahoma | M4.4 | 111 km | 6 km |
| Jan 7, 2016 | 17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma | M4.4 | 129 km | 7 km |
| Jul 9, 2016 | 17 km SE of Waynoka, Oklahoma | M4.4 | 131 km | 7 km |
| Jun 16, 2014 | 7 km NNE of Lake Aluma, Oklahoma | M4.3 | 120 km | 5 km |
| Jun 17, 2015 | 6 km ESE of Covington, Oklahoma | M4.3 | 47 km | 6 km |
| Jul 29, 2014 | 9 km E of Nescatunga, Oklahoma | M4.3 | 66 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
783 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 150 fatalities, 1,490 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1991 | EF5 | 90 km | 46.0 mi | 17 |
| May 25, 1955 | EF5 | 28 km | 56.4 mi | 80 |
| May 25, 1955 | EF5 | 6 km | 28.4 mi | 20 |
| May 6, 2024 | EF4 | 94 km | 40.8 mi | 2 |
| May 12, 2004 | EF4 | 87 km | 1.2 mi | 0 |
| May 3, 1999 | EF4 | 73 km | 24.0 mi | 6 |
| May 3, 1999 | EF4 | 94 km | 35.0 mi | 2 |
| Apr 26, 1991 | EF4 | 90 km | 32.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 26, 1991 | EF4 | 47 km | 25.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 26, 1991 | EF4 | 34 km | 66.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 | EF4 | 92 km | 22.0 mi | 3 |
| May 2, 1979 | EF4 | 96 km | 20.6 mi | 1 |
| Jun 8, 1974 | EF4 | 100 km | 29.0 mi | 14 |
| Mar 16, 1965 | EF4 | 71 km | 82.7 mi | 0 |
| Apr 2, 1956 | EF4 | 35 km | 108.3 mi | 2 |
| Apr 14, 2012 | EF3 | 69 km | 18.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 | EF3 | 98 km | 13.2 mi | 0 |
| May 10, 2010 | EF3 | 66 km | 47.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2004 | EF3 | 89 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| May 29, 2004 | EF3 | 83 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: DRUMB (30,422 acres, 2018).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2018 | DRUMB | 30,422 | 93 km |
| 2015 | UNNAMED | 20,347 | 89 km |
| 2014 | RESERVE | 19,016 | 73 km |
| 2018 | WEST 60 | 18,715 | 75 km |
| 2014 | SPIDER | 14,587 | 78 km |
| 2023 | NORTH DRUM | 11,618 | 96 km |
| 2017 | MILSAP | 10,879 | 97 km |
| 2011 | GREYHORSE | 10,411 | 67 km |
| 2022 | FRAZIER | 9,706 | 99 km |
| 2024 | BOWMAN | 9,422 | 63 km |
| 2023 | COWLEY | 9,379 | 73 km |
| 2022 | BUG CREEK | 9,106 | 73 km |
| 2009 | MULHALL-PAYNE COUNTY | 8,186 | 62 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 8,183 | 89 km |
| 2014 | NORTH 400 | 7,909 | 90 km |
| 2024 | ZINK | 7,434 | 100 km |
| 2014 | GOBBLER | 7,040 | 99 km |
| 2018 | EAST BUFORD | 7,028 | 79 km |
| 2023 | TIMBER HILL | 6,857 | 78 km |
| 2024 | ALRED | 6,832 | 84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 35°F (2°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 39°F (4°C) | 1.3 in | |
| March | 49°F (9°C) | 2.7 in | |
| April | 58°F (15°C) | 3.4 in | |
| May | 68°F (20°C) | 4.6 in | Wettest |
| June | 77°F (25°C) | 4.4 in | |
| July | 82°F (28°C) | 3.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 81°F (27°C) | 3.2 in | |
| September | 73°F (23°C) | 4.0 in | |
| October | 61°F (16°C) | 3.0 in | |
| November | 47°F (8°C) | 2.4 in | |
| December | 37°F (3°C) | 1.5 in |
Tonkawa has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 35°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.0").