McPherson County Climate
McPherson County, South Dakota
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
42.0°F
Annual Precip
21.2"
Annual Snowfall
41.8"
Extreme Heat Days
13
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
4b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,209
Favors cool-season crops
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: McPherson County
Climate Verdict
McPherson County has a cool, averaging 42.0°F annually, semi-arid conditions with only 21.2 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 12.766666666666666 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 41.8 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 11.5°F. summers are warm — July averages 70.1°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
McPherson County is 3.6°F cooler than the South Dakota statewide average of 45.6°F.
Climate Profile
About McPherson County Weather
Colder Than Most of the Nation
McPherson County is one of the colder jurisdictions in the country, with an annual average temperature of just 42.0°F. This is significantly lower than the national median, driven by long, frigid winters. The county experiences a continental climate with distinct, sharp seasonal transitions.
Trailing the State in Average Warmth
At 42.0°F, McPherson County is considerably colder than the South Dakota average of 45.6°F. It faces a tough winter season with a December-February average of only 14.6°F. Precipitation levels are slightly below the state average, coming in at 21.2 inches annually.
A Northern Tier Snow Belt
McPherson County records 41.8 inches of snow annually, making it one of the more winter-intensive counties in the area. It only sees 13 days of extreme heat, keeping summers much milder than counties in central South Dakota. The January average of 11.5°F is among the lowest in the region.
Mild Summers and Brutal Winters
Summer temperatures average 67.6°F, providing a cool haven compared to the rest of the state. However, winter is dominant, with nearly 42 inches of snow and average temperatures well below freezing for months. The July high of 70.1°F reflects a climate where heat is rarely an issue.
Winter Survival is the Top Priority
Residents must invest in high-quality heating systems and vehicle winterization for the 14.6°F winter average. Heavy-duty snow removal tools are essential for the 41.8 inches of annual snowfall. Because there are only 13 days of extreme heat, cooling costs are generally lower than the state average.
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.