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Weather & Climate in Willow River, MN
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Willow River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,050 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg | |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,050 ft (320 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 197/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3238°N, 92.8300°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH) 47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
146 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 62 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 21, 1957 | EF4 | 83 km | 9.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 | EF3 | 62 km | 34.0 mi | 2 |
| Sep 18, 1997 | EF3 | 98 km | 17.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 25, 1973 | EF3 | 93 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 80 km | 12.5 mi | 1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 71 km | 18.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 | EF3 | 96 km | 17.2 mi | 2 |
| Jun 30, 1968 | EF3 | 23 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 | EF2 | 92 km | 14.7 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 | EF2 | 84 km | 3.5 mi | 0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 | EF2 | 73 km | 2.9 mi | 0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 | EF2 | 66 km | 7.8 mi | 0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 | EF2 | 51 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 | EF2 | 85 km | 0.7 mi | 0 |
| Jul 21, 1995 | EF2 | 99 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 3, 1985 | EF2 | 77 km | 33.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 13, 1981 | EF2 | 96 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 | EF2 | 78 km | 9.9 mi | 0 |
| Sep 8, 1977 | EF2 | 79 km | 3.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 | EF2 | 9 km | 22.3 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 acres, 2013).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2013 | GERMANN ROAD FIRE | 6,751 | 94 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 3,642 | 90 km |
| 2003 | UNNAMED | 2,998 | 46 km |
| 2015 | TAMARACK | 2,745 | 48 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 2,512 | 46 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 2,486 | 72 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 2,243 | 91 km |
| 2024 | RX-86_FY23 | 2,187 | 53 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,963 | 76 km |
| 2000 | UNNAMED | 1,850 | 62 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,799 | 75 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,760 | 72 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 1,589 | 84 km |
| 2004 | SOUTH MAIN ROAD | 1,384 | 46 km |
| 2006 | WUI RX BURN UNIT 15 | 1,380 | 47 km |
| 1990 | UNNAMED | 1,371 | 38 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 1,352 | 44 km |
| 1997 | UNNAMED | 1,306 | 73 km |
| 2009 | UNNAMED | 1,249 | 72 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 1,226 | 70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°F (-12°C) | 0.9 in | Coldest |
| February | 15°F (-10°C) | 0.7 in | Driest |
| March | 27°F (-3°C) | 1.7 in | |
| April | 41°F (5°C) | 2.2 in | |
| May | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 in | |
| June | 63°F (17°C) | 4.3 in | Wettest |
| July | 69°F (20°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 66°F (19°C) | 4.1 in | |
| September | 57°F (14°C) | 3.5 in | |
| October | 45°F (7°C) | 2.6 in | |
| November | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.7 in | |
| December | 14°F (-10°C) | 1.1 in |
Willow River has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 10°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.7").