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Kearney County Climate

Kearney County, Nebraska

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec50.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

50.5°F

Annual Precip

25.7"

Annual Snowfall

24.8"

Extreme Heat Days

38

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.5"
0.6"
1.3"
2.4"
4.5"
3.9"
3.6"
3.2"
1.9"
2.1"
1.0"
0.7"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

5b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

3,292

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/26
First fall frost (32°F): 10/12

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring39°60°8.2"Summer71°76°10.7"Fall38°65°4.9"Winter25°29°1.8"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 32% of US counties
Wetter than 21% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 84% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Kearney County

Climate Verdict

Kearney County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 50.5°F, moderate rainfall of 25.7 inches per year, occasional hot days — 37.9 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 24.8 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 24.8°F. summers are warm — July averages 75.9°F. Residents experience a substantial 51°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Kearney County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

Kearney County closely matches the Nebraska statewide average temperature of 49.7°F.

Climate Profile

About Kearney County Weather

A temperate continental climate

Kearney County averages 50.5°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median temperature. It experiences the wide thermal swings typical of the central United States.

Aligning with state norms

The county's 50.5°F average is very close to the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. Precipitation levels of 25.7 inches also mirror the state average of 25.9 inches.

Drier than its eastern neighbors

Kearney is noticeably drier than Lancaster County, which receives 31.0 inches of precipitation. However, it stays warmer than northern Knox County's 49.1°F average.

Thirty-eight days of extreme heat

Summer heat is intense with 38 days hitting 90°F or higher and a July average of 75.9°F. Winters are cold and snowy, averaging 24.8 inches of snowfall.

Equip for summer extremes

The 38 days of extreme heat require efficient air conditioning and shaded outdoor spaces. Winter preparation should include reliable snow removal tools for the 24.8 inches of annual snow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Kearney County?
The average annual temperature in Kearney County, NE is 50.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Kearney County get?
Kearney County receives an average of 25.7 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Kearney County?
Yes, Kearney County receives an average of 24.8 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Kearney County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Kearney County is 73.5°F. The county experiences an average of 38 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Kearney County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Kearney County is 27.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 24.8°F.

Track your own weather in Kearney County

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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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