Arcadia, Iowa Weather by Month
Arcadia, Iowa, is a small town located in Carroll County in the western part of the state. Nestled within the rolling hills and fertile farmland of the Midwest, Arcadia is part of the United States and exemplifies the quintessential rural American community. The town is situated approximately 75 miles west of Des Moines, the state capital, and about 100 miles northeast of Omaha, Nebraska, providing a peaceful setting with accessible urban amenities.
With a population of around 500 residents, Arcadia covers an area of about 1 square mile. The town’s small size fosters a close-knit community atmosphere, where neighbors know each other and community events are a central part of life. Arcadia’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with many residents engaged in farming and related industries. The rich, fertile soil of the region makes it ideal for growing corn, soybeans, and other crops, while livestock farming is also significant.
Arcadia does not host any major universities or large corporations. However, it is within reach of several educational institutions, such as Iowa State University in Ames and the University of Iowa in Iowa City. The town’s educational needs are served by the nearby schools in Carroll County.
A notable landmark in Arcadia is the St. John’s Catholic Church, which stands as a testament to the town’s rich cultural and religious heritage. The town also boasts several parks and recreational areas that provide residents and visitors with opportunities for outdoor activities.
Arcadia’s charm lies in its simplicity and community spirit. It is a place where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, offering a unique experience of rural life in Iowa. The town’s annual events, such as the Fourth of July celebrations and local fairs, draw people from the surrounding areas, enhancing its vibrant community life.
Climate and Weather Overview
Arcadia experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by cold winters, warm summers, and moderate precipitation throughout the year. The weather in Arcadia is influenced by its inland location, leading to significant temperature variations between seasons.
Month | Avg. Temp (°F) | Avg. Precipitation (in) | Avg. Sunny Days |
---|---|---|---|
January | 23 | 0.9 | 18 |
February | 27 | 0.8 | 17 |
March | 37 | 2.1 | 20 |
April | 51 | 3.1 | 22 |
May | 62 | 4.4 | 23 |
June | 72 | 4.6 | 25 |
July | 76 | 4.0 | 27 |
August | 74 | 4.2 | 26 |
September | 65 | 3.5 | 24 |
October | 53 | 2.4 | 22 |
November | 39 | 1.5 | 19 |
December | 27 | 1.0 | 18 |
January
January in Arcadia is typically very cold, with average temperatures around 23°F. Precipitation is relatively low at 0.9 inches, mostly in the form of snow. The month typically sees about 18 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Severe winter storms and blizzards can occur, leading to heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and potential disruptions in daily activities.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Visiting local community centers, enjoying the warmth of cafes, and participating in community events.
- Outdoor: Snowshoeing, winter hiking, and participating in winter sports activities at nearby parks.
February
February remains cold, with average temperatures around 27°F. Precipitation is slightly lower at 0.8 inches, primarily snow. The month averages about 17 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Snowstorms and icy conditions are still possible, affecting travel and outdoor activities.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Participating in community workshops and local events.
- Outdoor: Winter sports such as ice skating and cross-country skiing, weather permitting.
March
March brings milder weather, with average temperatures around 37°F. Precipitation increases to 2.1 inches, with a mix of rain and snow. The month has about 20 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Spring storms can bring heavy snow or rain, but severe weather is uncommon.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Visiting local art galleries and historical exhibits.
- Outdoor: Early spring hiking, bird watching, and starting gardening projects.
April
April sees a further warming trend, with average temperatures around 51°F. Precipitation remains high at 3.1 inches, mostly as rain. The month averages about 22 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Spring storms can be frequent, sometimes bringing heavy rain and the potential for thunderstorms.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Exploring local theaters and cultural exhibits.
- Outdoor: Hiking, participating in community clean-up events, and enjoying the blossoming spring flora.
May
May is warmer, with average temperatures around 62°F. It is one of the wetter months, with 4.4 inches of precipitation. The month typically sees about 23 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Thunderstorms can occur more frequently, with occasional heavy rainfall and the potential for tornadoes.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Attending local theater performances and community gatherings.
- Outdoor: Gardening, hiking, fishing, and attending outdoor markets and festivals.
June
June brings warm temperatures, averaging 72°F. Precipitation is slightly higher at 4.6 inches, with plenty of sunshine (25 days on average).
Natural Disasters: While severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, can occur, it is less frequent than in spring.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Visiting local history museums and community centers.
- Outdoor: Camping, hiking, fishing, and enjoying local outdoor concerts and events.
July
July is the warmest month, with average temperatures around 76°F. Precipitation is relatively high at 4.0 inches, and the month averages 27 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Severe weather is uncommon, but thunderstorms and heatwaves can occur, making sun protection and hydration important.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Participating in indoor community events and workshops.
- Outdoor: Swimming, hiking, boating, and attending summer festivals and farmers’ markets.
August
August remains warm with average temperatures around 74°F. Precipitation is slightly higher at 4.2 inches, and the month averages 26 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Thunderstorms can occur, but severe weather is rare.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Exploring local cultural institutions and historical sites.
- Outdoor: Hiking, fishing, attending outdoor fairs, and participating in community sports events.
September
September brings cooler temperatures, averaging 65°F. Precipitation remains steady at 3.5 inches, and the month has about 24 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Natural disasters are unlikely, though autumn storms can bring brief, heavy rain.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Participating in educational workshops and local community events.
- Outdoor: Enjoying the fall foliage through hiking, attending harvest festivals, and outdoor photography.
October
October sees further cooling with average temperatures around 53°F. Precipitation is around 2.4 inches, and the month averages 22 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Early frosts and occasional storms can occur, but severe weather is rare.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Exploring local arts and crafts fairs and community events.
- Outdoor: Hiking in cooler weather, preparing for winter activities, and enjoying fall festivals and Halloween events.
November
November temperatures drop to an average of 39°F. Precipitation is 1.5 inches, often as rain with occasional snow. The month averages 19 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Early winter weather conditions can impact travel, but natural disasters are rare.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Enjoying local cafes and libraries, attending holiday markets and community gatherings.
- Outdoor: Early winter sports like hiking in the brisk weather, exploring local parks, and preparing for winter.
December
December is cold with average temperatures around 27°F. Precipitation averages 1.0 inches, mostly as snow. The month has about 18 sunny days.
Natural Disasters: Snowstorms can occur, leading to cold temperatures and occasional disruptions, but severe weather is uncommon.
Recommended Activities:
- Indoor: Participating in holiday events and indoor community activities.
- Outdoor: Enjoying winter sports, exploring the winter landscapes, and holiday shopping at local markets.