Weather & Climate in Willow City, ND
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Willow City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. Annual precipitation totals 18.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,470 feet.
Temperature
5°F Jan (-15°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 37.6°F |
| 30% below US avg | |
| January Average | 5°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,470 ft (448 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 268/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.6047°N, 100.2933°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bottineau County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minot International (MOT) 51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
208 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 12 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 2008 | EF3 | 39 km | 20.6 mi | 0 |
| Jun 26, 1986 | EF3 | 43 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 6, 1977 | EF3 | 90 km | 17.2 mi | 0 |
| May 30, 1958 | EF3 | 83 km | 10.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 | EF2 | 56 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 | EF2 | 51 km | 20.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 89 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 | EF2 | 86 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 6, 1982 | EF2 | 77 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 | EF2 | 20 km | 11.4 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1974 | EF2 | 99 km | 3.8 mi | 0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 | EF2 | 35 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 1972 | EF2 | 36 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| May 20, 1965 | EF2 | 61 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 | EF2 | 82 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 | EF1 | 98 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 17, 2020 | EF1 | 85 km | 0.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 28, 2020 | EF1 | 38 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 2018 | EF1 | 66 km | 3.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 14, 2018 | EF1 | 100 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (4,371 acres, 1989).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1989 | UNNAMED | 4,371 | 43 km |
| 2000 | RED CROSS | 3,015 | 20 km |
| 2017 | NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 | 2,772 | 17 km |
| 1992 | CLARK II | 2,443 | 44 km |
| 2009 | COUNTY ROAD 17 | 2,291 | 18 km |
| 1994 | ASPEN | 1,994 | 18 km |
| 2008 | POOL 326 | 1,805 | 28 km |
| 1985 | LAKE ALICE | 1,214 | 93 km |
| 1997 | FOXHOLM1 | 1,187 | 96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°F (-15°C) | 0.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 9°F (-13°C) | 0.5 in | |
| March | 22°F (-5°C) | 0.8 in | |
| April | 39°F (4°C) | 1.1 in | |
| May | 52°F (11°C) | 2.6 in | |
| June | 62°F (17°C) | 3.8 in | Wettest |
| July | 67°F (19°C) | 2.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 65°F (18°C) | 2.4 in | |
| September | 55°F (13°C) | 1.7 in | |
| October | 41°F (5°C) | 1.3 in | |
| November | 25°F (-4°C) | 0.8 in | |
| December | 11°F (-12°C) | 0.6 in |
Willow City has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 5°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.5").