The climate of Fort Madison
Fort Madison,
Iowa is characterized by a Dfa climate under the Köppen climate classification. This represents a humid continental climate with no dry season and hot summers. Positioned geographically in the United States' Midwest, temperature variations throughout the year are pronounced.
Going into the specific parameters, it can be seen that monthly averages of high temperatures range from 30.4°F (-0.9°C) in
January to a peak of 82.9°F (28.3°C) in
July. This speaks to the broad climatic transition from biting winter cold to heated summers. Similarly, the low temperature averages also exhibit significant variations from 18.5°F (-7.5°C) in January to 66.2°F (19°C) in July. Together, these metrics embody the essence of Fort Madison's humid continental climate.
Significant shifts are also witnessed in the relative humidity which ranges from 71% in
October to 82% in July. Alongside this, rainfall varies from 0.47" (12mm) in January to an apex of 1.46" (37mm) in
May. This pattern of rainfall adds an element of moisture to the humid continental climate. Correspondingly, the number of rainfall days also varies from 3.5 in
February to 14.4 in May.
It's noteworthy that snow is a feature in Fort Madison's climate with snowfall witnessed from 0.91" (23mm) in February down to none from May to
September, picking up again in October. Accordingly, snowfall days range from 7.7 in January to 0 from May to September, before increasing again in October.
The best time to visit Fort Madison
As the phrase goes, "timing is everything" and this holds when planning to visit
Fort Madison. For visitors drawn by the appeal of fair weather and sunshine,
June registers an average of 15 daylight hours, while
July and
August flaunt 10.4 and 10.1 sunshine hours respectively. Surprisingly, relative humidity seems to be at its peak during this period averaging around 81% in June and 82% in July. High temperatures of about 80.2°F (26.8°C) in June, reaching 82.9°F (28.3°C) in July and settling to 82.2°F (27.9°C) in August provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and exploration.
The worst time to visit Fort Madison
Contrarily, if you're sensitive to cold, then travelling to
Fort Madison in winter might be a challenge. Low temperatures can get as chilling as 18.5°F (-7.5°C) in
January, making it the most frigid month of the year. Snowfall in January averages 1.1" (28mm) coupled with 7.7 snowfall days, enhancing the starkness of winter. Additionally, January offers only 9.7 daylight hours, the shortest of the whole year.
Spring weather in Fort Madison
Spring manifests itself in
Fort Madison with a substantial updip in temperatures that invites all to revel in its bloom. High temperatures go from 49.5°F (9.7°C) in
March to a comforting 71.1°F (21.7°C) in
May, while lows float between 34.2°F (1.2°C) and 54.3°F (12.4°C) during the same period. Rainfall during this time is notably higher, increasing from 0.71" (18mm) in March to peak at 1.46" (37mm) in May, accompanied by a similar increase in rainfall days.
Summer weather in Fort Madison
A typical summer in
Fort Madison is characterized by heat with high temperatures ranging from 80.2°F (26.8°C) in
June to 82.2°F (27.9°C) in
August, while low temperatures vary from 63.7°F (17.6°C) to 63.9°F (17.7°C). There's no shortage of light with daylight hours exceeding 14.5 daily, and sunshine remains plentiful from June through August with an average of above 10 sunshine hours. Refreshingly, summer rainfall reduces from 1.46" (37mm) in
May to 1.02" (26mm) in
July and further to 0.83" (21mm) in August.
Autumn weather in Fort Madison
Commencing the transition from summer to winter, autumn in
Fort Madison witnesses a progressive cool down. High temperatures drop from
September's 77°F (25°C) to
October's 62.6°F (17°C) and further to a mild 48.7°F (9.3°C) in
November. Low temperatures follow suit descending from 57.4°F (14.1°C) to 34.7°F (1.5°C) within the same period. Rainfall dwindles from 0.83" (21mm) in both September and October to a mere 0.59" (15mm) in November.
Winter weather in Fort Madison
In
Fort Madison, winter is the harbinger of low temperatures, limited sunshine, and snowfall. High temperatures register a slump from 48.7°F (9.3°C) in
November to 30.4°F (-0.9°C) in
January, accompanied by corresponding low temperatures dropping from 34.7°F (1.5°C) to a chilling 18.5°F (-7.5°C). Days are shorter, with daylight hours shrinking to 9.3 hours in
December. As expected, there is an inception of snowfall, ranging from 0.28" (7mm) in November to 1.1" (28mm) in January, culminating in nearly two weeks of snowfall days in those three months.
Weather in January
January in
Fort Madison marks the beginning of a new year with the subfreezing temperatures typically ranging from 18.5°F (-7.5°C) to 30.4°F (-0.9°C). Touches of snow are not uncommon during this month, adding to the drastic decrease in temperatures.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February,
Fort Madison experiences a slight increase in temperature but remains decidedly cold. The incidence of snowfall decreases compared to
January, providing some respite. However, the winds continue to blow persistently, keeping the chill intact.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks a significant seasonal shift in weather conditions in
Fort Madison. The uptick in temperature becomes more noticeable, signaling the arrival of spring. An interesting aspect of this month is the phenomenon of melting snow, leading to a wetter ambiance.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The arrival of
April in
Fort Madison brings with it a noticeable change in weather parameters. The city welcomes spring with balmier temperatures, increased daylight hours, and diminished snowfall. The wind still persists, but at a lower speed compared to the harsh gusts witnessed in the previous months.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Fort Madison enjoys a refreshing spring climate before the onset of summer. The rise in temperature is complemented by increased sunshine hours. As nature fully embraces spring, the rainfall becomes more frequent, contributing to the city's lush landscapes.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Fort Madison marks the commencement of summer with temperatures soaring. The days get longer, and sunlight seems to paint the city's landscapes for more hours. Simultaneously, the wind speed sees a significant downgrade compared to the previous months, thus minimizing the cooling effect.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of summer in
Fort Madison and is typically the hottest month. With heat levels reaching their zenith, it's crucial to stay hydrated and avoid extended bouts under the sun. The humidity also intensifies, which can often give the sensation of the temperature being higher than the actual reading.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August, the heat anchor's grip somewhat releases on
Fort Madison, though it remains high. The intensity of heat gradually diminishes, laying the ground for the onset of autumn. Longer daylight hours persist, continuing to support outdoor activities.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September, the city of
Fort Madison transitions to Autumn with a noticeable dip in temperature. The humidity levels drop, offering the residents the first signs of relief after the prolonged summer heat. The duration of sunlight reduces, and the leaves start changing colors, making the surroundings picturesque.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Fort Madison is marked by the complete arrival of autumn. Temperatures notably drop, and the golden hues of the season take hold. The first instances of light frost could be experienced during the late nights and early mornings.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Fort Madison is characterized by a significant drop in temperature, indicating the initial signs of winter. Overt autumn leaves give way to barren trees and the possibility of snowfall can't be ruled out. The daylight hours continue to decrease, allowing for colder evenings.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The final month,
December, in
Fort Madison ushers in a full-fledged winter. The snowfall, coupled with a consistent drop in temperatures, results in a wintry ambiance. The days become shorter, and the city witnesses an increased frequency of cloudy days.
Weather in December »