The climate of Storm Lake
A perfect example of the Köppen climate classification Dfa,
Storm Lake,
Iowa, can be characterized as experiencing a humid continental climate with no dry season and hot summers. This climatological classification is typically found in the mid-latitudes, frequently in regions that are positioned inland and are therefore not affected significantly by coastal maritime influences.
Throughout the year, the weather in Storm Lake exhibits wide swings in many parameters. The temperature varies substantially from a cold 12.6°F (-10.8°C) in the winter to a hot 81.3°F (27.4°C) in the summer. Monthly rainfall also varies greatly, with the heaviest precipitation in
May, amounting to an average of 4.02" (102mm). Meanwhile,
January and
February are the most humid months, with relative humidity percentages of 85% and 83% respectively.
Perhaps one of the most distinctive patterns in Storm Lake's weather is how rainfall and snowfall amounts vary throughout the year. Although the winter months do see a significant amount of precipitation in the form of snow, the summer months, from
June through
August, experience virtually no snowfall. This seasonal variation in precipitation type is characteristic of locations in the humid continental climate zone.
The best time to visit Storm Lake
Storm Lake boasts of pleasant weather during the late spring and early summer months. The temperature in
May averages from 52.3°F (11.3°C) to 68.9°F (20.5°C), offering an agreeable climate for outdoor activities. Moreover, this period observes one of the highest daily sunshine durations, peaking at 8.7h in May. Despite the high rainfall during this month, the increased sunshine and warm temperature significantly enhance the overall weather experience.
The worst time to visit Storm Lake
January is arguably the least attractive month for visiting
Storm Lake, due to harsh winter temperatures. With average high temperatures barely exceeding 24.6°F (-4.1°C) and low temperatures plunging to a chilly 12.6°F (-10.8°C), outdoor activities can be significantly limited. Moreover, January also sees considerable snowfall, averaging at 4.65" (118mm), further intensifying the frigid conditions.
Spring weather in Storm Lake
Spring in
Storm Lake witnesses a considerable elevation in temperature from a low of 30.6°F (-0.8°C) in
March to a moderate 52.3°F (11.3°C) in
May. Concurrently, the precipitation transitions from snow to rain with rainfall increasing from 1.57" (40mm) in March to 3.9" (99mm) in May. Sunshine hours also increase during this season, rising from 6.2h in March to a comfortable 8.7h in May.
Summer weather in Storm Lake
From
June to
August,
Storm Lake experiences its summer season. Temperatures escalate considerably during this time, peaking at an average high of 81.3°F (27.4°C) in
July. Rainfall hovers around the 4-inch mark and then falls to 2.24" (57mm) by July. On the brighter side, this season boasts the longest daylight hours with a peak of 15.3h in June.
Autumn weather in Storm Lake
Temperatures in Autumn gradually decline, with
September seeing average highs of 73.9°F (23.3°C) that dwindle to 44.2°F (6.8°C) by
November. Rainfall observes a similar pattern, shrinking from 2.32" (59mm) in September to a mere 1.06" (27mm) by November. Nevertheless, autumn offers considerable daylight, starting at 11h in
October and still maintaining 9.8h by November.
Winter weather in Storm Lake
Winter in
Storm Lake is characterized by low temperatures, reduced daylight hours, and significant snowfall. Temperatures drop from 29.3°F (-1.5°C) in
December to a frigid low of 12.6°F (-10.8°C) in
January. Snowfall is also high during this season, averaging around 5.79" (147mm) in December and reducing to 2.76" (70mm) by
February. Daylight hours, however, remain shorter, with only 9.1h recorded in December.
Weather in January
Kickstarting the new year,
Storm Lake,
Iowa paints a picture of a typical Midwestern winter. The chill persists as temperatures remain low and snowfall is notable. Amongst the hushed white landscape, 0.51" (13mm) to 0.98" (25mm) temperature range prevails and approximately 4.65" (118mm) of snow grace the city.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Carrying forward the baton from
January,
February does not disappoint winter enthusiasts in
Storm Lake,
Iowa. Slightly higher temperatures offer minor relief but snow continues to dust the streets, albeit less compared to January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
A change in scenery unfolds in
Storm Lake,
Iowa as
March witnesses the onset of spring. Sweeping away the winter residue, warmer melts initiate a marked shift in the weather pattern. The temperature notably increases, moving from 1.22" (31mm) to 1.77" (45mm), a noticeable bump compared to
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings rejuvenation to
Storm Lake,
Iowa with temperatures that encourage outdoor activities. The earlier snow melt paves the way for greener pastures and an influx of flora and fauna. A clear increase in temperature from 1.61" (41mm) to 2.24" (57mm) characterizes April’s identity, making it a stark contrast to the previous months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May, in
Storm Lake,
Iowa, symbolizes the height of spring. With the harshness of winter long gone, blue skies and balmy winds reign supreme. The overall weather can be described as moderate with temperatures stretching from 2.05" (52mm) to 2.72" (69mm).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June welcomes summer in its full glory in
Storm Lake,
Iowa. As it marches ahead with increasing temperatures, the likelihood of rainfall also escalates. June sees temperatures reach a high from 2.44" (62mm) to 3.07" (78mm), providing the perfect groundwork for outdoor summer activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As the midpoint of the year,
July typifies summer days in
Storm Lake,
Iowa. The sun, at its zenith, ensures warm, longer days and short nights. July witnesses the peak of summer with temperatures hitting between 2.52" (64mm) to 3.19" (81mm).
Weather in July »Weather in August
As the summer season advances,
August carries forward the legacy of warmth in
Storm Lake,
Iowa. Though it starts to pull the reins on the soaring mercury levels slightly, the sun-filled days persist. Temperatures during August vary from 2.4" (61mm) to 3.11" (79mm), signaling a very subtle initiation of autumn’s approach.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September is a time of change in
Storm Lake,
Iowa, as summer gives way to the colors of fall. The cooler breeze starts weaving its way through the city, indicating the gradual arrival of autumn. The temperature drops and ranges between 2.17" (55mm) to 2.91" (74mm), marking a noticeable shift from the highs of
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is synonymous with the full bloom of fall in
Storm Lake,
Iowa. It says goodbye to any remaining summer heat and welcomes cooler days and chilly nights. This autumn month sees a significant temperature reduction, marking a shift from 1.69" (43mm) to 2.28" (58mm).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Storm Lake,
Iowa introduces the community to the initial winter chills as temperatures drop substantially. The fall foliage starts to disintegrate, and early snowfall can be encountered towards the month's end. The weather during November records temperatures from 1.26" (32mm) to 1.73" (44mm), continuing the cooling trend.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Rounding off the year,
December in
Storm Lake,
Iowa takes residents into the cozy winter wonderland. With a stark drop in temperature and possible snowfall, the month mimics the stereotypical imagery of holiday season. The colder climate comes into full effect, with temperatures spanning from 0.75" (19mm) to 1.14" (29mm), setting the tone for the upcoming deep winter month of
January.
Weather in December »