Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Vernon Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches. The area receives 46.3 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 1,024 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)73°F Jul (23°C)
Annual Average
47.2°F
13% below US avg
January Average
17°F (-8°C)
July Average
73°F (23°C)
Sunny Days
260 days/yr
Geography
Elevation
1,024 ft (312 m)
Area
0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²)
Population Density
665/sq mi
Coordinates
43.9624°N, 94.1669°W
Timezone
America/Chicago
County
Watonwan County County
Nearest Airport
Mankato Regional (MKT) 22 miles away
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall32.8"
14% below US avg
Snowfall46.3"
Wettest Month (Jun)4.41"
Driest Month (Feb)0.63"
Air Quality
AQI Median
36.0
Rating
Good
Natural Hazard Risk
Overall Risk
Very Low
Risk Score
23.9 / 100
Social Vulnerability
41.7 / 100
Community Resilience
56.9 / 100
Hazard Breakdown
Tornado
Relatively Low
Earthquake
Very Low
Wildfire
Very Low
Flood
Very Low
Hail
Relatively Low
Strong Wind
Relatively Moderate
Heat Wave
Relatively Low
Winter Weather
Relatively Moderate
Lightning
Very Low
Ice Storm
Relatively Low
Drought
Relatively Moderate
Cold Wave
Relatively Moderate
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
133 km
5 km
Apr 25, 2017
Near Mankato, Minnesota
M2.8
28 km
0 km
Jun 30, 2021
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa
M2.7
147 km
10 km
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
549 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 652 injuries.
Date
Rating
Distance
Path
Fatalities
Jun 17, 2010
EF4
60 km
16.9 mi
1
Apr 30, 1967
EF4
74 km
38.7 mi
5
Apr 30, 1967
EF4
98 km
7.6 mi
0
Apr 30, 1967
EF4
55 km
20.1 mi
6
May 6, 1965
EF4
97 km
12.3 mi
3
Jun 17, 2010
EF3
78 km
5.0 mi
0
Jun 17, 2010
EF3
67 km
18.2 mi
0
Jun 17, 2010
EF3
84 km
4.3 mi
0
Aug 24, 2006
EF3
35 km
33.0 mi
1
Aug 1, 2006
EF3
45 km
1.5 mi
0
Mar 29, 1998
EF3
44 km
6.0 mi
0
Mar 29, 1998
EF3
35 km
12.0 mi
1
Jun 7, 1984
EF3
73 km
14.0 mi
0
Jun 7, 1984
EF3
85 km
9.0 mi
0
May 17, 1982
EF3
83 km
46.0 mi
0
Jun 28, 1979
EF3
80 km
15.9 mi
2
Jun 10, 1977
EF3
95 km
14.9 mi
0
Apr 30, 1967
EF3
57 km
18.4 mi
2
May 6, 1965
EF3
80 km
15.5 mi
0
Mar 21, 1953
EF3
86 km
31.8 mi
0
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 acres, 2024).
Year
Name
Acres Burned
Distance
2024
SNAKE TRAIL
1,496
61 km
1990
UNNAMED
598
83 km
2024
LINCOLN WPA RX
575
11 km
1995
LV 68 CARVER
532
96 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
Month
Avg Temperature
Precipitation
Summary
January
17°F (-8°C)
0.8 in
Coldest
February
19°F (-7°C)
0.6 in
Driest
March
32°F (-0°C)
1.8 in
April
46°F (8°C)
2.8 in
May
60°F (15°C)
3.7 in
June
69°F (21°C)
4.4 in
Wettest
July
73°F (23°C)
4.1 in
Warmest
August
69°F (21°C)
4.0 in
September
61°F (16°C)
2.9 in
October
49°F (9°C)
2.3 in
November
32°F (0°C)
1.8 in
December
18°F (-8°C)
0.9 in
Vernon Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.6").