Weather & Climate in Wayland, IA
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Wayland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches. The area receives 34.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 712 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 712 ft (217 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,075/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1483°N, 91.6575°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
576 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 276 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF4 | 36 km | 19.9 mi | 0 |
| May 13, 1995 | EF4 | 70 km | 50.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 | EF4 | 80 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 | EF4 | 99 km | 91.5 mi | 1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 | EF3 | 57 km | 26.1 mi | 0 |
| May 27, 2019 | EF3 | 61 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 | EF3 | 41 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 78 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 | EF3 | 91 km | 7.5 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1998 | EF3 | 16 km | 47.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1995 | EF3 | 81 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 1988 | EF3 | 99 km | 32.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 | EF3 | 75 km | 6.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 | EF3 | 87 km | 48.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 | EF3 | 99 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 1973 | EF3 | 81 km | 3.6 mi | 2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF3 | 86 km | 9.5 mi | 0 |
| May 18, 1971 | EF3 | 96 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| May 18, 1971 | EF3 | 91 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 | EF3 | 28 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 acres, 1999).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1999 | UNIT 3 | 1,206 | 48 km |
| 2002 | HSB 03 2 | 1,130 | 47 km |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 939 | 94 km |
| 2010 | FOLEY | 786 | 92 km |
| 2000 | DESTRUST A | 756 | 47 km |
| 2011 | ACE AUTO | 676 | 84 km |
| 2006 | HSB 003 | 674 | 48 km |
| 2004 | HSB 009 | 608 | 47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°F (-6°C) | 1.4 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 25°F (-4°C) | 1.7 in | |
| March | 37°F (3°C) | 2.5 in | |
| April | 50°F (10°C) | 3.6 in | |
| May | 61°F (16°C) | 5.1 in | Wettest |
| June | 71°F (21°C) | 5.0 in | |
| July | 74°F (23°C) | 4.0 in | Warmest |
| August | 72°F (22°C) | 4.3 in | |
| September | 64°F (18°C) | 3.6 in | |
| October | 52°F (11°C) | 3.0 in | |
| November | 38°F (3°C) | 2.3 in | |
| December | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.8 in |
Wayland has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (1.4").