Weather & Climate in Washington, NE
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Washington experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.7 inches. The area receives 34.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. 64% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,165 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,165 ft (355 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 848/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3976°N, 96.2075°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Douglas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA) 18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 63.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 95.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very High |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively High |
| Hail | Very High |
| Strong Wind | Very High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively High |
| Winter Weather | Very High |
| Lightning | Relatively High |
| Ice Storm | Very High |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.6.
| Dec 17, 2009 | 2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska | M3.6 | 114 km | 5 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 | 6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa | M3.5 | 101 km | 5 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 | 9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska | M3.4 | 93 km | 5 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 | 6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri | M3.1 | 145 km | 5 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 | 5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska | M2.9 | 145 km | 5 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 | 2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska | M2.9 | 128 km | 5 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 | 8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska | M2.7 | 148 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
642 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 535 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF4 | 24 km | 31.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF4 | 99 km | 23.9 mi | 1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF4 | 98 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 | EF4 | 94 km | 11.5 mi | 1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 | EF4 | 95 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 | EF4 | 93 km | 22.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 | EF4 | 51 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1975 | EF4 | 28 km | 8.0 mi | 3 |
| Aug 13, 1952 | EF4 | 37 km | 26.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 | EF4 | 55 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 69 km | 5.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 50 km | 40.3 mi | 1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 30 km | 19.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 | EF3 | 47 km | 13.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 | EF3 | 90 km | 3.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 | EF3 | 45 km | 14.2 mi | 4 |
| May 16, 1999 | EF3 | 36 km | 6.2 mi | 0 |
| May 16, 1999 | EF3 | 36 km | 7.5 mi | 2 |
| Jun 16, 1992 | EF3 | 44 km | 26.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 | EF3 | 94 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 acres, 2005).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2005 | UNNAMED | 4,195 | 78 km |
| 2010 | UNNAMED | 629 | 29 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°F (-5°C) | 0.8 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.0 in | |
| March | 40°F (5°C) | 1.8 in | |
| April | 52°F (11°C) | 3.3 in | |
| May | 62°F (17°C) | 4.9 in | |
| June | 72°F (22°C) | 5.4 in | Wettest |
| July | 76°F (24°C) | 3.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 74°F (23°C) | 4.1 in | |
| September | 67°F (19°C) | 3.3 in | |
| October | 53°F (12°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 40°F (5°C) | 1.4 in | |
| December | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.4 in |
Washington has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (0.8").