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Weather & Climate in Waterloo, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Waterloo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. The area receives 33.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 892 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.0°F |
| 15% below US avg | |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 892 ft (272 m) |
| Area | 63.2 sq mi (163.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,087/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4923°N, 92.3519°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Black Hawk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO) 5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively High |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
621 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 40 fatalities, 1,007 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 | EF5 | 44 km | 41.0 mi | 9 |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 70 km | 62.1 mi | 13 |
| May 15, 1968 | EF5 | 40 km | 13.1 mi | 5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 | EF4 | 82 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1989 | EF4 | 71 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 73 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 84 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 | EF4 | 82 km | 10.9 mi | 0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 | EF4 | 25 km | 4.7 mi | 1 |
| May 5, 1965 | EF4 | 96 km | 41.6 mi | 0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 | EF4 | 62 km | 26.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 | EF4 | 66 km | 80.4 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 | EF3 | 72 km | 8.4 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2008 | EF3 | 30 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 2004 | EF3 | 66 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 11, 2000 | EF3 | 9 km | 18.6 mi | 1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 | EF3 | 56 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 | EF3 | 90 km | 23.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 | EF3 | 68 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 | EF3 | 69 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (939 acres, 2009).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 939 | 70 km |
| 2010 | FOLEY | 786 | 72 km |
| 2011 | ACE AUTO | 676 | 77 km |
| 2011 | IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 | 510 | 67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°F (-8°C) | 0.9 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 23°F (-5°C) | 1.0 in | |
| March | 35°F (2°C) | 2.3 in | |
| April | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 in | |
| May | 60°F (16°C) | 4.3 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 4.5 in | |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 4.6 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 71°F (22°C) | 4.1 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.5 in | |
| October | 51°F (10°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 35°F (2°C) | 2.0 in | |
| December | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.3 in |
Waterloo has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.9").