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McLean County Climate

McLean County, North Dakota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec41.2°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

41.2°F

Annual Precip

18.1"

Annual Snowfall

43.6"

Extreme Heat Days

13

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.5"
0.5"
0.7"
1.3"
2.7"
3.6"
2.6"
2.0"
1.6"
1.3"
0.7"
0.6"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

4a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,116

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/12
First fall frost (32°F): 09/30

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring27°54°4.7"Summer63°69°8.2"Fall28°58°3.6"Winter11°16°1.5"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 4% of US counties
Wetter than 12% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 97% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: McLean County

Climate Verdict

McLean County has a cool, averaging 41.2°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 18.1 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 13.087500000000002 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 43.6 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 10.6°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.3°F. Residents experience a substantial 59°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.

Regional Context

McLean County closely matches the North Dakota statewide average temperature of 40.9°F.

Climate Profile

About McLean County Weather

Upper Midwest Temperature Extremes

McLean County's annual average of 41.2°F is more than 10 degrees cooler than the national median. This climate requires resilient infrastructure to handle large seasonal swings.

Right at the State Average

The county's 41.2°F average temperature perfectly mirrors the North Dakota average of 41.0°F. Precipitation is also typical for the region at 18.1 inches annually.

Typical Snowfall for the Region

The county's 43.6 inches of snow is similar to McKenzie's 42.3 inches but lower than Mountrail's 48.5 inches. This makes it a standard representative for Central North Dakota weather.

Frigid Januaries and Moderate Summers

January brings average temperatures of 10.6°F, while July heats up to 69.3°F. Residents experience about 13 days of extreme heat and a summer average of 67.0°F.

Insulate Against the Winter Chill

With winter averages of 13.8°F, proper attic insulation is a top priority for homeowners. Be ready for significant snow cleanup throughout the 43.6-inch winter season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in McLean County?
The average annual temperature in McLean County, ND is 41.2°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does McLean County get?
McLean County receives an average of 18.1 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 McLean County?
Yes, McLean County receives an average of 43.6 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does McLean County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in McLean County is 67.0°F. The county experiences an average of 13 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in McLean County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in McLean County is 13.8°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 10.6°F.

Track your own weather in McLean 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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