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Mercer County Climate

Mercer County, North Dakota

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec43.2°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

43.2°F

Annual Precip

17.3"

Annual Snowfall

33.4"

Extreme Heat Days

29

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.4"
0.5"
0.7"
1.5"
2.4"
3.4"
2.6"
1.8"
1.6"
1.4"
0.6"
0.4"
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

2,338

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/21
First fall frost (32°F): 09/20

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring30°55°4.6"Summer64°71°7.8"Fall29°60°3.6"Winter13°18°1.3"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 8% of US counties
Wetter than 10% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 96% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Mercer County

Climate Verdict

Mercer County has a cool, averaging 43.2°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 17.3 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 28.6 per year above 90°F, moderate snowfall of 33.4 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 13.0°F. summers are warm — July averages 70.6°F. Residents experience a substantial 58°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Mercer County closely matches the North Dakota statewide average temperature of 40.9°F, it is somewhat drier than average for North Dakota, the county experiences 15.709567307692307 more extreme heat days than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Mercer County Weather

Northern Interior Climate Patterns

Mercer County averages 43.2°F annually, which is significantly colder than the U.S. national average. It is characterized by high summer temperatures and very cold winters.

A Warm Spot in North Dakota

Mercer is one of the warmest counties in the state, with its 43.2°F average sitting well above the 41.0°F state benchmark. It is also drier than most, seeing just 17.3 inches of rain.

Unusually High Summer Heat Days

Mercer experiences 29 days of extreme heat, significantly more than neighboring McLean's 13 days. It is one of the most heat-prone areas in the regional vicinity.

Hot Summers and Less Snow

July averages 70.6°F, which is warm for the state. While winters are cold at a 16.3°F average, the annual snowfall of 33.4 inches is lower than many neighboring counties.

Manage Summer Heat and Winter Cold

Residents need high-capacity cooling systems to handle nearly a month of 90°F days. Winter prep remains important, though snow removal is less intensive than in Mountrail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Mercer County?
The average annual temperature in Mercer County, ND is 43.2°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Mercer County get?
Mercer County receives an average of 17.3 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 Mercer County?
Yes, Mercer County receives an average of 33.4 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Mercer County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Mercer County is 68.2°F. The county experiences an average of 29 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Mercer County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Mercer County is 16.3°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 13.0°F.

Track your own weather in Mercer 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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