Thurston County Climate

Thurston County, Nebraska

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec49.0°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

49.0°F

Annual Precip

29.8"

Annual Snowfall

32.2"

Extreme Heat Days

33.2

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.7"
1.0"
1.7"
3.2"
4.0"
4.5"
3.4"
3.6"
3.0"
2.3"
1.4"
1.0"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring37°61°8.9"Summer71°75°11.6"Fall36°65°6.6"Winter20°25°2.7"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 27% of US counties
Wetter than 26% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 87% of US counties

Climate Profile

About Thurston County Weather

A typical eastern plains climate

Thurston County averages 49.0°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median for temperature. It receives 29.8 inches of precipitation, which is quite high for the Great Plains region. This creates a humid continental climate with significant seasonal variance.

Cooler but wetter than average

The county's 49.0°F average is just below the Nebraska state average of 49.7°F. However, its 29.8 inches of annual precipitation is well above the state average of 25.9 inches. This makes Thurston one of the more moisture-rich counties in the northeastern part of the state.

Wetter and warmer than Wayne

Thurston County is slightly warmer than neighboring Wayne County, which averages 48.3°F. It also receives nearly 3 more inches of annual precipitation than Wayne. These differences highlight the county's position as a transition zone between the drier west and wetter east.

Frigid winters and humid summers

January is particularly cold here, with an average temperature of only 20.3°F. The county receives 32.2 inches of snow annually, paired with 33 days of extreme summer heat over 90°F. These extremes define the year, shifting from deep freezes to high heat.

Prepare for extreme winter cold

With January averages near 20°F, heavy-duty home heating and vehicle winterization are top priorities. The 33.2 inches of snow require reliable clearing equipment for rural and town roads. High-quality moisture barriers are also important given the nearly 30 inches of annual rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Thurston County?
The average annual temperature in Thurston County, NE is 49.0°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Thurston County get?
Thurston County receives an average of 29.8 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 Thurston County?
Yes, Thurston County receives an average of 32.2 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Thurston County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Thurston County is 73.2°F. The county experiences an average of 33.2 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Thurston County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Thurston County is 23.1°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 20.3°F.

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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

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