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Weather & Climate in Washburn, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Washburn has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 273 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 17.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,837 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.4°F |
| 21% below US avg | |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,837 ft (560 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 849/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.2940°N, 101.0278°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Oliver County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Very Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
241 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 3 fatalities, 63 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 | EF5 | 98 km | 14.8 mi | 2 |
| Jul 1, 1952 | EF4 | 48 km | 48.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 30, 1981 | EF3 | 63 km | 23.9 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 1978 | EF3 | 53 km | 2.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 1956 | EF3 | 58 km | 10.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 | EF3 | 34 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 | EF2 | 52 km | 2.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 | EF2 | 21 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 | EF2 | 74 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 | EF2 | 100 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 1990 | EF2 | 46 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1985 | EF2 | 57 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Jun 6, 1982 | EF2 | 98 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 1975 | EF2 | 57 km | 33.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1971 | EF2 | 76 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1965 | EF2 | 79 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 | EF2 | 58 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 1956 | EF2 | 39 km | 37.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 1955 | EF2 | 5 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jul 6, 1954 | EF2 | 98 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: MCCLEAN BOTTOMS (6,421 acres, 2003).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2003 | MCCLEAN BOTTOMS | 6,421 | 82 km |
| 2006 | RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM | 1,705 | 35 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 1,678 | 90 km |
| 2002 | BISRURAL2 | 1,649 | 81 km |
| 1993 | UNNAMED | 1,492 | 79 km |
| 2006 | RICE LAKE 1 | 1,150 | 65 km |
| 2007 | ROBINSON SUNFLOWER | 1,115 | 30 km |
| 1999 | UNNAMED | 1,062 | 52 km |
| 2002 | UNNAMED | 1,049 | 75 km |
| 2005 | KIMBALL BOTTOMS FIRE | 1,028 | 73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°F (-11°C) | 0.4 in | Coldest |
| February | 17°F (-8°C) | 0.4 in | Driest |
| March | 28°F (-2°C) | 0.8 in | |
| April | 42°F (6°C) | 1.9 in | |
| May | 55°F (13°C) | 2.3 in | |
| June | 64°F (18°C) | 3.4 in | Wettest |
| July | 70°F (21°C) | 2.6 in | Warmest |
| August | 68°F (20°C) | 2.0 in | |
| September | 58°F (14°C) | 1.8 in | |
| October | 45°F (7°C) | 1.1 in | |
| November | 28°F (-2°C) | 0.5 in | |
| December | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.5 in |
Washburn has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 12°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.4").