Weather & Climate in Wakefield, MI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Wakefield has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. The area receives 185.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,527 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 40.2°F |
| 26% below US avg | |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,527 ft (465 m) |
| Area | 7.9 sq mi (20.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 227/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4769°N, 89.9334°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Gogebic County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH) 110 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| 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 High |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.5.
| Jan 7, 2024 | 3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin | M2.5 | 132 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
67 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 57 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1985 | EF3 | 74 km | 68.0 mi | 2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 | EF3 | 90 km | 29.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 7, 1970 | EF3 | 25 km | 37.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 | EF2 | 60 km | 0.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 27, 1991 | EF2 | 78 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 4, 1986 | EF2 | 86 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 1981 | EF2 | 96 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Sep 20, 1972 | EF2 | 98 km | 13.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 | EF2 | 59 km | 28.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 14, 1961 | EF2 | 70 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 14, 1958 | EF2 | 36 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 | EF1 | 61 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 | EF1 | 75 km | 5.9 mi | 0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 | EF1 | 75 km | 0.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 | EF1 | 21 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 | EF1 | 11 km | 2.4 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2011 | EF1 | 95 km | 3.3 mi | 0 |
| Jul 27, 2010 | EF1 | 49 km | 4.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 2005 | EF1 | 28 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 2001 | EF1 | 70 km | 1.5 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: RILEY (1,254 acres, 2019).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2019 | RILEY | 1,254 | 74 km |
| 2007 | PIONEER FIRE | 1,072 | 99 km |
| 1987 | FOULDS CREEK | 750 | 72 km |
| 2022 | BRINKS 8C - SOUTH RX | 725 | 95 km |
| 2022 | UNNAMED | 702 | 73 km |
| 2022 | LDF MARSH BURN 2022 | 503 | 47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°F (-12°C) | 2.0 in | Coldest |
| February | 15°F (-9°C) | 1.5 in | Driest |
| March | 26°F (-4°C) | 2.0 in | |
| April | 38°F (3°C) | 3.1 in | |
| May | 52°F (11°C) | 3.8 in | |
| June | 62°F (16°C) | 3.9 in | |
| July | 66°F (19°C) | 4.2 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 64°F (18°C) | 3.8 in | |
| September | 57°F (14°C) | 3.8 in | |
| October | 44°F (7°C) | 4.1 in | |
| November | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.9 in | |
| December | 19°F (-7°C) | 2.4 in |
Wakefield has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 11°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.5").