Polk County Climate
Polk County, Nebraska
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
50.5°F
Annual Precip
28.3"
Annual Snowfall
28.7"
Extreme Heat Days
23
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
3,333
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Polk County
Climate Verdict
Polk County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 50.5°F, moderate rainfall of 28.3 inches per year, occasional hot days — 23.2 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 28.7 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 23.7°F. summers are warm — July averages 75.4°F. Residents experience a substantial 52°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Polk County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Polk County closely matches the Nebraska statewide average temperature of 49.7°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Nebraska.
Climate Profile
About Polk County Weather
A Stable Mid-Continent Climate Profile
Polk County's 50.5°F average annual temperature is just below the national median. It offers a classic continental climate with distinct, well-defined seasons.
Consistent with Regional Averages
Polk tracks closely with the Nebraska average temperature of 49.7°F, though it is slightly warmer at 50.5°F. Its 28.3 inches of rain is slightly above the state average of 25.9 inches.
Fewer Heat Waves than Neighbors
Polk experiences only 23 extreme heat days, which is significantly fewer than Platte (32 days) or Otoe (35 days). However, it is snowier than Platte, receiving 28.7 inches annually.
Moderate Summers and Significant Snow
Summer temperatures average 73.3°F, with relatively few days breaking the 90°F mark. Winters are more intense, with 28.7 inches of snowfall and a January average of 23.7°F.
Equipping for Cold and Snow
The nearly 29 inches of annual snow requires high-quality winter tires and removal gear. While summers are milder than nearby counties, standard air conditioning is still recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.