Weather & Climate in Velva, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Velva has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 19.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,509 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 39.3°F |
| 27% below US avg | |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,509 ft (460 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,039/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.0582°N, 100.9329°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minot International (MOT) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
220 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 19 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 26, 1986 | EF3 | 100 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 6, 1977 | EF3 | 85 km | 17.2 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1958 | EF3 | 86 km | 10.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 | EF3 | 57 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 | EF2 | 34 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 | EF2 | 91 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF2 | 83 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 | EF2 | 53 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 | EF2 | 75 km | 0.2 mi | 1 |
| Jun 6, 1982 | EF2 | 18 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 | EF2 | 52 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 | EF2 | 82 km | 11.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 | EF2 | 79 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1965 | EF2 | 78 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 | EF2 | 38 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 30, 1958 | EF2 | 87 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 1955 | EF2 | 81 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 6, 1954 | EF2 | 89 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 1954 | EF2 | 57 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 | EF1 | 28 km | 2.2 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: RED CROSS (3,015 acres, 2000).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2000 | RED CROSS | 3,015 | 61 km |
| 2017 | NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 | 2,772 | 61 km |
| 2009 | COUNTY ROAD 17 | 2,291 | 60 km |
| 1994 | ASPEN | 1,994 | 60 km |
| 2008 | POOL 326 | 1,805 | 64 km |
| 2006 | RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM | 1,705 | 75 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 1,678 | 100 km |
| 1997 | FOXHOLM1 | 1,187 | 56 km |
| 2007 | ROBINSON SUNFLOWER | 1,115 | 70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°F (-13°C) | 0.7 in | Coldest |
| February | 13°F (-11°C) | 0.5 in | Driest |
| March | 25°F (-4°C) | 0.8 in | |
| April | 40°F (4°C) | 1.1 in | |
| May | 53°F (11°C) | 2.7 in | |
| June | 62°F (17°C) | 3.6 in | Wettest |
| July | 67°F (19°C) | 2.7 in | Warmest |
| August | 65°F (19°C) | 2.2 in | |
| September | 56°F (14°C) | 1.6 in | |
| October | 42°F (6°C) | 1.5 in | |
| November | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.3 in | |
| December | 14°F (-10°C) | 0.6 in |
Velva has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 8°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (0.5").