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Ames 3 SW Weather Records (USC00130205)

Record envelope, standing records and threshold days for Ames 3 SW (USC00130205), Iowa, United States, with 72 years of record.

Key Facts for Ames 3 SW

  • Ames 3 SW (USC00130205) is a weather station in Iowa, United States at 42.00 latitude and -93.65 longitude, 305 m (1,001 ft) above sea level.
  • The station reports from 1893 to 1964, 72 years of record.
  • 1,464 records set at Ames 3 SW still stand.
  • Records are tracked for tmax, tmin, prcp, snow, snwd: an element needs 30 years of data to be eligible.
  • Ames 3 SW tied a daily record low maximum temperature of 20.0 C (68.0 F) on 23 August 1964.

About the Station

  • Location: Iowa, United States, 42.00 latitude, -93.65 longitude.
  • Elevation: 305 m (1,001 ft).
  • Period of record: 1893 to 1964, 72 years.
  • Eligible elements: tmax, tmin, prcp, snow, snwd.

Daily Record Envelope and 2026

0 days at or beyond a record
Daily record high and record low at Ames 3 SW, with 2026 drawn through them The band shows the record high and record low for each calendar day at Ames 3 SW. The lines show the 2026 daily maximum and minimum. 0 days in 2026 matched or passed a record. Temperatures are in degrees Celsius. -40-200204060 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
The band shows the record high and record low for each calendar day at Ames 3 SW. The lines show the 2026 daily maximum and minimum. 0 days in 2026 matched or passed a record. Temperatures are in degrees Celsius.
Daily record high and record low at Ames 3 SW, with 2026 drawn through them
MonthHighest record highLowest record low2026 highest maximum2026 lowest minimum
Jan17.2 C (63.0 F)-38.3 C (-36.9 F)n/an/a
Feb24.4 C (75.9 F)-35.0 C (-31.0 F)n/an/a
Mar31.7 C (89.1 F)-31.7 C (-25.1 F)n/an/a
Apr35.0 C (95.0 F)-13.9 C (7.0 F)n/an/a
May40.0 C (104.0 F)-7.8 C (18.0 F)n/an/a
Jun40.0 C (104.0 F)2.2 C (36.0 F)n/an/a
Jul42.8 C (109.0 F)3.9 C (39.0 F)n/an/a
Aug41.7 C (107.1 F)2.2 C (36.0 F)n/an/a
Sep38.9 C (102.0 F)-5.6 C (21.9 F)n/an/a
Oct34.4 C (93.9 F)-21.7 C (-7.1 F)n/an/a
Nov27.2 C (81.0 F)-22.2 C (-8.0 F)n/an/a
Dec20.0 C (68.0 F)-31.1 C (-24.0 F)n/an/a

Which Years Hold Standing Records

1,464 standing records
Standing records at Ames 3 SW by the year they were set 1,464 records at Ames 3 SW still stand. 1930 holds the most, with 45. 02040601893: 311894: 331895: 391896: 181897: 321898: 251899: 241900: 121901: 271902: 201903: 121904: 121905: 191906: 161907: 221908: 201909: 281910: 301911: 341912: 311913: 401914: 161915: 221916: 171917: 241918: 211919: 151920: 131921: 211922: 111923: 211924: 181925: 251926: 171927: 241928: 241929: 161930: 451931: 271932: 211933: 161934: 291935: 151936: 441937: 151938: 181939: 241940: 141941: 81942: 211943: 191944: 181945: 171946: 161947: 191948: 181949: 101950: 201951: 271952: 241953: 141954: 131955: 91956: 101957: 91958: 111959: 161960: 141961: 71962: 201963: 181964: 8189319011909191719251933194119491957
1,464 records at Ames 3 SW still stand. 1930 holds the most, with 45.
Standing records at Ames 3 SW by the year they were set
Year setStanding records
189331
189433
189539
189618
189732
189825
189924
190012
190127
190220
190312
190412
190519
190616
190722
190820
190928
191030
191134
191231
191340
191416
191522
191617
191724
191821
191915
192013
192121
192211
192321
192418
192525
192617
192724
192824
192916
193045
193127
193221
193316
193429
193515
193644
193715
193818
193924
194014
19418
194221
194319
194418
194517
194616
194719
194818
194910
195020
195127
195224
195314
195413
19559
195610
19579
195811
195916
196014
19617
196220
196318
19648

All-Time Record Progression

2 new records
When Ames 3 SW set new all-time records 2 all-time records were set at Ames 3 SW between 30 November 1928 and 27 July 1929. Each dot is a new record. Record daily snowfallRecord high minimum temperature30 November 1928: Record daily snowfall 30.5 cm (12.0 in)27 July 1929: Record high minimum temperature 28.3 C (82.9 F)1930
2 all-time records were set at Ames 3 SW between 30 November 1928 and 27 July 1929. Each dot is a new record.
When Ames 3 SW set new all-time records
DateKindDetail
1928-11-30Record daily snowfallRecord daily snowfall 30.5 cm (12.0 in)
1929-07-27Record high minimum temperatureRecord high minimum temperature 28.3 C (82.9 F)

Wettest Day of Each Month

Jul: 198.1 mm (7.8 in)
Record daily precipitation for each month at Ames 3 SW The wettest day on record for each calendar month at Ames 3 SW. The most was 198.1 mm (7.8 in) on 1 July 1920. 050100150200 Jan: 52.3 mm (2.1 in), 27 January 1944 Jan Feb: 43.7 mm (1.7 in), 28 February 1939 Feb Mar: 137.2 mm (5.4 in), 5 March 1900 Mar Apr: 76.5 mm (3.0 in), 29 April 1963 Apr May: 115.1 mm (4.5 in), 19 May 1944 May Jun: 94.2 mm (3.7 in), 20 June 1899 Jun Jul: 198.1 mm (7.8 in), 1 July 1920 Jul Aug: 151.1 mm (5.9 in), 22 August 1954 Aug Sep: 109.2 mm (4.3 in), 5 September 1936 Sep Oct: 79.2 mm (3.1 in), 6 October 1914 Oct Nov: 60.5 mm (2.4 in), 12 November 1931 Nov Dec: 61.0 mm (2.4 in), 8 December 1919 Dec
The wettest day on record for each calendar month at Ames 3 SW. The most was 198.1 mm (7.8 in) on 1 July 1920.
Record daily precipitation for each month at Ames 3 SW
MonthRecord daily precipitation (mm)Date
Jan52.3 mm (2.1 in)27 January 1944
Feb43.7 mm (1.7 in)28 February 1939
Mar137.2 mm (5.4 in)5 March 1900
Apr76.5 mm (3.0 in)29 April 1963
May115.1 mm (4.5 in)19 May 1944
Jun94.2 mm (3.7 in)20 June 1899
Jul198.1 mm (7.8 in)1 July 1920
Aug151.1 mm (5.9 in)22 August 1954
Sep109.2 mm (4.3 in)5 September 1936
Oct79.2 mm (3.1 in)6 October 1914
Nov60.5 mm (2.4 in)12 November 1931
Dec61.0 mm (2.4 in)8 December 1919

Period of Record Coverage

1893 to 1964
Days with data per year at Ames 3 SW 72 years of record at Ames 3 SW, 1893 to 1964. 9 years have data for under 90 percent of days and are left out of rankings: 1894, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1914, 1918 and others. 1893: 353 of 365 days1894: 304 of 365 days1895: 344 of 365 days1896: 238 of 366 days1897: 325 of 365 days1898: 309 of 365 days1899: 328 of 365 days1900: 288 of 365 days1901: 358 of 365 days1902: 348 of 365 days1903: 359 of 365 days1904: 356 of 366 days1905: 354 of 365 days1906: 360 of 365 days1907: 359 of 365 days1908: 331 of 366 days1909: 360 of 365 days1910: 364 of 365 days1911: 365 of 365 days1912: 362 of 366 days1913: 358 of 365 days1914: 193 of 365 days1915: 360 of 365 days1916: 332 of 366 days1917: 357 of 365 days1918: 318 of 365 days1919: 343 of 365 days1920: 360 of 366 days1921: 360 of 365 days1922: 363 of 365 days1923: 363 of 365 days1924: 362 of 366 days1925: 362 of 365 days1926: 363 of 365 days1927: 364 of 365 days1928: 366 of 366 days1929: 365 of 365 days1930: 365 of 365 days1931: 365 of 365 days1932: 366 of 366 days1933: 365 of 365 days1934: 365 of 365 days1935: 363 of 365 days1936: 343 of 366 days1937: 365 of 365 days1938: 364 of 365 days1939: 365 of 365 days1940: 366 of 366 days1941: 363 of 365 days1942: 365 of 365 days1943: 363 of 365 days1944: 366 of 366 days1945: 365 of 365 days1946: 365 of 365 days1947: 365 of 365 days1948: 364 of 366 days1949: 365 of 365 days1950: 365 of 365 days1951: 364 of 365 days1952: 366 of 366 days1953: 365 of 365 days1954: 365 of 365 days1955: 364 of 365 days1956: 366 of 366 days1957: 365 of 365 days1958: 365 of 365 days1959: 365 of 365 days1960: 366 of 366 days1961: 365 of 365 days1962: 365 of 365 days1963: 365 of 365 days1964: 244 of 366 days1900191019201930194019501960
72 years of record at Ames 3 SW, 1893 to 1964. 9 years have data for under 90 percent of days and are left out of rankings: 1894, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1914, 1918 and others.
Days with data per year at Ames 3 SW
YearDays with dataShare of yearComplete
189335397%Yes
189430483%No
189534494%Yes
189623865%No
189732589%No
189830985%No
189932890%No
190028879%No
190135898%Yes
190234895%Yes
190335998%Yes
190435697%Yes
190535497%Yes
190636099%Yes
190735998%Yes
190833190%Yes
190936099%Yes
1910364100%Yes
1911365100%Yes
191236299%Yes
191335898%Yes
191419353%No
191536099%Yes
191633291%Yes
191735798%Yes
191831887%No
191934394%Yes
192036098%Yes
192136099%Yes
192236399%Yes
192336399%Yes
192436299%Yes
192536299%Yes
192636399%Yes
1927364100%Yes
1928366100%Yes
1929365100%Yes
1930365100%Yes
1931365100%Yes
1932366100%Yes
1933365100%Yes
1934365100%Yes
193536399%Yes
193634394%Yes
1937365100%Yes
1938364100%Yes
1939365100%Yes
1940366100%Yes
194136399%Yes
1942365100%Yes
194336399%Yes
1944366100%Yes
1945365100%Yes
1946365100%Yes
1947365100%Yes
194836499%Yes
1949365100%Yes
1950365100%Yes
1951364100%Yes
1952366100%Yes
1953365100%Yes
1954365100%Yes
1955364100%Yes
1956366100%Yes
1957365100%Yes
1958365100%Yes
1959365100%Yes
1960366100%Yes
1961365100%Yes
1962365100%Yes
1963365100%Yes
196424467%No

Latest Records

20
Latest records at Ames 3 SW
DateStationRecordValueBeat old record byOld record stoodSignificance
23 August 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily low max (Tie)20.0 C (68.0 F)tie68 years6 of 100 (Routine)
13 August 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily low max17.8 C (64.0 F)2.8 C (5.0 F)32 years23 of 100 (Routine)
13 August 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily low min6.1 C (43.0 F)1.1 C (2.0 F)48 years23 of 100 (Routine)
12 August 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily low max16.7 C (62.1 F)3.9 C (7.0 F)62 years34 of 100 (Routine)
2 August 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily high min (Tie)24.4 C (75.9 F)tie34 years4 of 100 (Routine)
11 July 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily rain34.3 mm (1.4 in)3.8 mm (0.15 in)51 years24 of 100 (Routine)
22 June 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily rain92.7 mm (3.6 in)55.1 mm (2.2 in)24 years52 of 100 (Notable)
14 June 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily rain32.8 mm (1.3 in)6.9 mm (0.27 in)7 years13 of 100 (Routine)
1 June 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily low min (Tie)5.0 C (41.0 F)tie66 years6 of 100 (Routine)
21 May 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily high max (Tie)32.2 C (90.0 F)tie39 years4 of 100 (Routine)
8 May 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily rain27.9 mm (1.1 in)3.0 mm (0.12 in)37 years20 of 100 (Routine)
27 April 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily rain24.4 mm (1.0 in)4.8 mm (0.19 in)64 years20 of 100 (Routine)
2 April 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily rain23.1 mm (0.9 in)15.5 mm (0.6 in)33 years20 of 100 (Routine)
30 March 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily low min-13.3 C (8.1 F)0.5 C (0.9 F)69 years27 of 100 (Routine)
27 March 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily snowfall4.1 cm (1.6 in)3.3 cm (1.3 in)22 years20 of 100 (Routine)
25 March 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily snowfall12.7 cm (5.0 in)2.5 cm (1.0 in)7 years15 of 100 (Routine)
8 March 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily snowfall (Tie)7.6 cm (3.0 in)tie4 years2 of 100 (Routine)
3 March 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily high min (Tie)2.2 C (36.0 F)tie69 years6 of 100 (Routine)
29 February 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily high max13.3 C (55.9 F)0.5 C (0.9 F)8 years9 of 100 (Routine)
15 February 1964Ames 3 SW, USdaily snowfall4.1 cm (1.6 in)1.6 cm (0.6 in)28 years18 of 100 (Routine)

Climate Trend

57 complete years, 1893 to 1963
Annual mean temperature at Ames 3 SW as warming stripes, 1893 to 1963 One stripe for each of 57 complete years at Ames 3 SW, 1893 to 1963. Blue stripes are years cooler than the station's own mean of 9.1 C (48.5 F); red stripes are warmer. The coolest year was 1893, at 6.4 C (43.6 F), and the warmest was 1931, at 11.8 C (53.2 F). The strongest colour marks a difference of 2.8 C (5.0 F). 1893: 6.4 C, -2.7 C from the station mean1895: 8.0 C, -1.1 C from the station mean1901: 9.6 C, +0.4 C from the station mean1902: 8.6 C, -0.5 C from the station mean1903: 8.7 C, -0.5 C from the station mean1904: 8.1 C, -1.1 C from the station mean1905: 8.9 C, -0.3 C from the station mean1906: 8.7 C, -0.4 C from the station mean1909: 9.0 C, -0.2 C from the station mean1910: 9.2 C, 0.0 C from the station mean1911: 10.3 C, +1.1 C from the station mean1912: 8.0 C, -1.2 C from the station mean1913: 10.2 C, +1.0 C from the station mean1915: 8.8 C, -0.3 C from the station mean1917: 7.0 C, -2.1 C from the station mean1920: 9.0 C, -0.2 C from the station mean1921: 11.3 C, +2.1 C from the station mean1923: 9.5 C, +0.4 C from the station mean1924: 8.0 C, -1.1 C from the station mean1925: 9.6 C, +0.5 C from the station mean1926: 9.5 C, +0.4 C from the station mean1927: 9.7 C, +0.6 C from the station mean1928: 10.3 C, +1.1 C from the station mean1929: 8.2 C, -1.0 C from the station mean1930: 10.6 C, +1.5 C from the station mean1931: 11.8 C, +2.6 C from the station mean1932: 8.7 C, -0.4 C from the station mean1933: 10.2 C, +1.0 C from the station mean1934: 10.5 C, +1.3 C from the station mean1935: 8.8 C, -0.3 C from the station mean1937: 8.2 C, -0.9 C from the station mean1938: 10.5 C, +1.3 C from the station mean1939: 10.3 C, +1.1 C from the station mean1940: 8.5 C, -0.7 C from the station mean1941: 10.3 C, +1.1 C from the station mean1942: 9.0 C, -0.1 C from the station mean1943: 8.6 C, -0.5 C from the station mean1944: 9.4 C, +0.2 C from the station mean1945: 8.5 C, -0.7 C from the station mean1946: 10.1 C, +0.9 C from the station mean1947: 9.2 C, +0.1 C from the station mean1948: 9.4 C, +0.2 C from the station mean1949: 9.4 C, +0.3 C from the station mean1950: 7.8 C, -1.4 C from the station mean1951: 7.4 C, -1.7 C from the station mean1952: 9.3 C, +0.1 C from the station mean1953: 10.1 C, +0.9 C from the station mean1954: 10.3 C, +1.1 C from the station mean1955: 9.4 C, +0.2 C from the station mean1956: 9.7 C, +0.5 C from the station mean1957: 9.1 C, -0.1 C from the station mean1958: 8.7 C, -0.4 C from the station mean1959: 8.7 C, -0.5 C from the station mean1960: 8.2 C, -0.9 C from the station mean1961: 8.8 C, -0.3 C from the station mean1962: 8.6 C, -0.6 C from the station mean1963: 9.3 C, +0.2 C from the station mean18931900191019201930194019501960
One stripe for each of 57 complete years at Ames 3 SW, 1893 to 1963. Blue stripes are years cooler than the station's own mean of 9.1 C (48.5 F); red stripes are warmer. The coolest year was 1893, at 6.4 C (43.6 F), and the warmest was 1931, at 11.8 C (53.2 F). The strongest colour marks a difference of 2.8 C (5.0 F).
Annual mean temperature at Ames 3 SW as warming stripes, 1893 to 1963
YearAnnual mean temperatureDifference from the station mean
18936.4 C-2.73 C
18958.0 C-1.13 C
19019.6 C+0.40 C
19028.6 C-0.52 C
19038.7 C-0.50 C
19048.1 C-1.09 C
19058.9 C-0.27 C
19068.7 C-0.43 C
19099.0 C-0.19 C
19109.2 C+0.04 C
191110.3 C+1.14 C
19128.0 C-1.16 C
191310.2 C+1.02 C
19158.8 C-0.34 C
19177.0 C-2.14 C
19209.0 C-0.16 C
192111.3 C+2.13 C
19239.5 C+0.35 C
19248.0 C-1.15 C
19259.6 C+0.46 C
19269.5 C+0.36 C
19279.7 C+0.57 C
192810.3 C+1.11 C
19298.2 C-0.98 C
193010.6 C+1.45 C
193111.8 C+2.61 C
19328.7 C-0.41 C
193310.2 C+1.03 C
193410.5 C+1.32 C
19358.8 C-0.32 C
19378.2 C-0.92 C
193810.5 C+1.33 C
193910.3 C+1.12 C
19408.5 C-0.70 C
194110.3 C+1.13 C
19429.0 C-0.14 C
19438.6 C-0.55 C
19449.4 C+0.23 C
19458.5 C-0.67 C
194610.1 C+0.93 C
19479.2 C+0.06 C
19489.4 C+0.24 C
19499.4 C+0.26 C
19507.8 C-1.36 C
19517.4 C-1.72 C
19529.3 C+0.10 C
195310.1 C+0.94 C
195410.3 C+1.11 C
19559.4 C+0.24 C
19569.7 C+0.51 C
19579.1 C-0.07 C
19588.7 C-0.44 C
19598.7 C-0.46 C
19608.2 C-0.94 C
19618.8 C-0.34 C
19628.6 C-0.57 C
19639.3 C+0.19 C

The fitted trend in annual mean temperature here over 1893 to 1963 is 0.1 C (-0.1 to 0.2) per decade. The interval includes zero, so the trend is not clearly different from zero. In Fahrenheit: 0.1 F (-0.1 to 0.4) per decade. The slope is a straight line fitted to 57 complete years; the brackets give its 95 percent interval.

Fitted temperature trends per decade at Ames 3 SW
MeasurePer decade (C)Per decade (F)PeriodComplete yearsReading
Annual mean temperature0.1 C (-0.1 to 0.2) per decade0.1 F (-0.1 to 0.4) per decade1893 to 196357Not clearly different from zero
Mean daily maximum-0.1 C (-0.2 to 0.1) per decade-0.1 F (-0.4 to 0.1) per decade1893 to 196357Not clearly different from zero
Mean daily minimum0.2 C (0.1 to 0.4) per decade0.4 F (0.2 to 0.7) per decade1893 to 196357Rise

A year is complete when all 12 months have at least 20 days of both daily maximum and daily minimum readings. The annual mean is the mean of the monthly means. The trend describes this one station over this period; it does not say what caused the change.

Extremes by Year

1893 to 1964
Yearly extremes at Ames 3 SW: the record and the median year
MeasureRecordYear of the recordMedian yearYears with a value
Hottest day (TXx)42.8 C (109.0 F)190136.7 C (98.1 F)72
Coldest night (TNn)-38.3 C (-36.9 F)1894-28.3 C (-18.9 F)72
Wettest day (Rx1day)198.1 mm (7.8 in)192061.3 mm (2.4 in)72
Wettest five days (Rx5day)256.3 mm (10.1 in)195498.6 mm (3.9 in)72
Longest dry spell (CDD)63 days189826 days72

Hottest day (TXx)

Hottest day (TXx) at Ames 3 SW by year The hottest day of the year at Ames 3 SW, 1893 to 1964. The record is 42.8 C (109.0 F) in 1901, marked on the chart; the median year is 36.7 C (98.1 F). 32.53537.54042.5451900192019401960Record: 42.8 C (109.0 F) in 1901
The hottest day of the year at Ames 3 SW, 1893 to 1964. The record is 42.8 C (109.0 F) in 1901, marked on the chart; the median year is 36.7 C (98.1 F).
Hottest day (TXx) at Ames 3 SW by year
YearHottest day (TXx)
189336.1 C (97.0 F)
189438.3 C (100.9 F)
189536.1 C (97.0 F)
189636.1 C (97.0 F)
189737.8 C (100.0 F)
189837.8 C (100.0 F)
189936.7 C (98.1 F)
190035.6 C (96.1 F)
190142.8 C (109.0 F)
190234.4 C (93.9 F)
190333.9 C (93.0 F)
190434.4 C (93.9 F)
190535.0 C (95.0 F)
190635.0 C (95.0 F)
190735.6 C (96.1 F)
190835.0 C (95.0 F)
190936.1 C (97.0 F)
191036.7 C (98.1 F)
191141.7 C (107.1 F)
191237.8 C (100.0 F)
191340.0 C (104.0 F)
191440.0 C (104.0 F)
191533.3 C (91.9 F)
191640.0 C (104.0 F)
191737.8 C (100.0 F)
191840.0 C (104.0 F)
191937.2 C (99.0 F)
192035.0 C (95.0 F)
192135.6 C (96.1 F)
192235.6 C (96.1 F)
192336.7 C (98.1 F)
192437.2 C (99.0 F)
192540.6 C (105.1 F)
192637.8 C (100.0 F)
192737.2 C (99.0 F)
192835.0 C (95.0 F)
192933.9 C (93.0 F)
193042.2 C (108.0 F)
193138.3 C (100.9 F)
193237.2 C (99.0 F)
193338.9 C (102.0 F)
193441.7 C (107.1 F)
193537.2 C (99.0 F)
193642.2 C (108.0 F)
193738.3 C (100.9 F)
193837.8 C (100.0 F)
193937.8 C (100.0 F)
194038.9 C (102.0 F)
194137.2 C (99.0 F)
194234.4 C (93.9 F)
194334.4 C (93.9 F)
194436.1 C (97.0 F)
194536.7 C (98.1 F)
194635.6 C (96.1 F)
194738.3 C (100.9 F)
194837.8 C (100.0 F)
194935.0 C (95.0 F)
195033.9 C (93.0 F)
195133.9 C (93.0 F)
195236.7 C (98.1 F)
195336.7 C (98.1 F)
195437.8 C (100.0 F)
195538.9 C (102.0 F)
195640.0 C (104.0 F)
195737.8 C (100.0 F)
195833.3 C (91.9 F)
195933.9 C (93.0 F)
196034.4 C (93.9 F)
196135.0 C (95.0 F)
196233.9 C (93.0 F)
196336.1 C (97.0 F)
196435.6 C (96.1 F)

Coldest night (TNn)

Coldest night (TNn) at Ames 3 SW by year The coldest night of the year at Ames 3 SW, 1893 to 1964. The record is -38.3 C (-36.9 F) in 1894, marked on the chart; the median year is -28.3 C (-18.9 F). -40-35-30-25-20-151900192019401960Record: -38.3 C (-36.9 F) in 1894
The coldest night of the year at Ames 3 SW, 1893 to 1964. The record is -38.3 C (-36.9 F) in 1894, marked on the chart; the median year is -28.3 C (-18.9 F).
Coldest night (TNn) at Ames 3 SW by year
YearColdest night (TNn)
1893-31.1 C (-24.0 F)
1894-38.3 C (-36.9 F)
1895-32.8 C (-27.0 F)
1896-24.4 C (-11.9 F)
1897-28.9 C (-20.0 F)
1898-26.1 C (-15.0 F)
1899-32.8 C (-27.0 F)
1900-24.4 C (-11.9 F)
1901-28.3 C (-18.9 F)
1902-30.6 C (-23.1 F)
1903-25.6 C (-14.1 F)
1904-31.1 C (-24.0 F)
1905-35.0 C (-31.0 F)
1906-26.7 C (-16.1 F)
1907-29.4 C (-20.9 F)
1908-24.4 C (-11.9 F)
1909-26.1 C (-15.0 F)
1910-30.6 C (-23.1 F)
1911-30.0 C (-22.0 F)
1912-37.2 C (-35.0 F)
1913-27.2 C (-17.0 F)
1914-30.0 C (-22.0 F)
1915-31.7 C (-25.1 F)
1916-33.3 C (-27.9 F)
1917-31.7 C (-25.1 F)
1918-32.2 C (-26.0 F)
1919-30.6 C (-23.1 F)
1920-25.0 C (-13.0 F)
1921-23.9 C (-11.0 F)
1922-27.8 C (-18.0 F)
1923-25.0 C (-13.0 F)
1924-32.2 C (-26.0 F)
1925-24.4 C (-11.9 F)
1926-21.7 C (-7.1 F)
1927-23.3 C (-9.9 F)
1928-24.4 C (-11.9 F)
1929-28.3 C (-18.9 F)
1930-30.6 C (-23.1 F)
1931-18.9 C (-2.0 F)
1932-30.0 C (-22.0 F)
1933-30.6 C (-23.1 F)
1934-23.3 C (-9.9 F)
1935-28.3 C (-18.9 F)
1936-32.2 C (-26.0 F)
1937-26.7 C (-16.1 F)
1938-27.2 C (-17.0 F)
1939-23.9 C (-11.0 F)
1940-30.0 C (-22.0 F)
1941-20.6 C (-5.1 F)
1942-31.7 C (-25.1 F)
1943-28.3 C (-18.9 F)
1944-27.2 C (-17.0 F)
1945-26.1 C (-15.0 F)
1946-25.6 C (-14.1 F)
1947-29.4 C (-20.9 F)
1948-27.8 C (-18.0 F)
1949-26.7 C (-16.1 F)
1950-26.7 C (-16.1 F)
1951-27.2 C (-17.0 F)
1952-24.4 C (-11.9 F)
1953-25.0 C (-13.0 F)
1954-26.1 C (-15.0 F)
1955-28.3 C (-18.9 F)
1956-30.6 C (-23.1 F)
1957-34.4 C (-29.9 F)
1958-30.0 C (-22.0 F)
1959-26.7 C (-16.1 F)
1960-29.4 C (-20.9 F)
1961-27.8 C (-18.0 F)
1962-31.7 C (-25.1 F)
1963-29.4 C (-20.9 F)
1964-25.6 C (-14.1 F)

Wettest day (Rx1day)

Wettest day (Rx1day) at Ames 3 SW by year The wettest day of the year at Ames 3 SW, 1893 to 1964. The record is 198.1 mm (7.8 in) in 1920, marked on the chart; the median year is 61.3 mm (2.4 in). 0501001502001900192019401960Record: 198.1 mm (7.8 in) in 1920
The wettest day of the year at Ames 3 SW, 1893 to 1964. The record is 198.1 mm (7.8 in) in 1920, marked on the chart; the median year is 61.3 mm (2.4 in).
Wettest day (Rx1day) at Ames 3 SW by year
YearWettest day (Rx1day)
189345.7 mm (1.8 in)
189463.5 mm (2.5 in)
189568.6 mm (2.7 in)
189656.9 mm (2.2 in)
189767.3 mm (2.6 in)
189859.2 mm (2.3 in)
189994.2 mm (3.7 in)
1900137.2 mm (5.4 in)
190134.3 mm (1.4 in)
190253.3 mm (2.1 in)
190359.9 mm (2.4 in)
190456.1 mm (2.2 in)
190548.8 mm (1.9 in)
190644.2 mm (1.7 in)
1907108.2 mm (4.3 in)
190849.8 mm (2.0 in)
190955.9 mm (2.2 in)
191055.9 mm (2.2 in)
191150.8 mm (2.0 in)
191298.6 mm (3.9 in)
191351.3 mm (2.0 in)
191479.2 mm (3.1 in)
191560.7 mm (2.4 in)
191643.2 mm (1.7 in)
191786.4 mm (3.4 in)
191874.4 mm (2.9 in)
191986.4 mm (3.4 in)
1920198.1 mm (7.8 in)
192161.5 mm (2.4 in)
192281.3 mm (3.2 in)
192377.5 mm (3.1 in)
192439.6 mm (1.6 in)
1925102.9 mm (4.1 in)
192689.2 mm (3.5 in)
192778.7 mm (3.1 in)
192850.8 mm (2.0 in)
192961.0 mm (2.4 in)
193041.9 mm (1.6 in)
193160.5 mm (2.4 in)
193264.8 mm (2.6 in)
193381.3 mm (3.2 in)
193450.8 mm (2.0 in)
193559.9 mm (2.4 in)
1936109.2 mm (4.3 in)
193736.6 mm (1.4 in)
193854.4 mm (2.1 in)
193943.7 mm (1.7 in)
1940105.7 mm (4.2 in)
194173.2 mm (2.9 in)
194268.6 mm (2.7 in)
194390.9 mm (3.6 in)
1944115.1 mm (4.5 in)
194558.4 mm (2.3 in)
194656.4 mm (2.2 in)
194769.9 mm (2.8 in)
194842.9 mm (1.7 in)
194952.3 mm (2.1 in)
195067.8 mm (2.7 in)
195173.9 mm (2.9 in)
195256.9 mm (2.2 in)
195350.3 mm (2.0 in)
1954151.1 mm (5.9 in)
195553.3 mm (2.1 in)
195629.5 mm (1.2 in)
195772.9 mm (2.9 in)
195875.7 mm (3.0 in)
195946.7 mm (1.8 in)
196091.9 mm (3.6 in)
1961105.7 mm (4.2 in)
196250.8 mm (2.0 in)
196384.1 mm (3.3 in)
196492.7 mm (3.6 in)

Wettest five days (Rx5day)

Wettest five days (Rx5day) at Ames 3 SW by year The wettest five days of the year at Ames 3 SW, 1893 to 1964. The record is 256.3 mm (10.1 in) in 1954, marked on the chart; the median year is 98.6 mm (3.9 in). 01002003001900192019401960Record: 256.3 mm (10.1 in) in 1954
The wettest five days of the year at Ames 3 SW, 1893 to 1964. The record is 256.3 mm (10.1 in) in 1954, marked on the chart; the median year is 98.6 mm (3.9 in).
Wettest five days (Rx5day) at Ames 3 SW by year
YearWettest five days (Rx5day)
189359.3 mm (2.3 in)
189487.9 mm (3.5 in)
1895105.4 mm (4.1 in)
1896138.0 mm (5.4 in)
189774.4 mm (2.9 in)
189881.8 mm (3.2 in)
189999.3 mm (3.9 in)
1900142.3 mm (5.6 in)
190153.3 mm (2.1 in)
1902108.8 mm (4.3 in)
1903122.7 mm (4.8 in)
190471.9 mm (2.8 in)
190585.1 mm (3.4 in)
190670.9 mm (2.8 in)
1907120.4 mm (4.7 in)
1908147.1 mm (5.8 in)
1909115.1 mm (4.5 in)
191084.3 mm (3.3 in)
191189.4 mm (3.5 in)
1912102.9 mm (4.1 in)
191386.3 mm (3.4 in)
1914137.4 mm (5.4 in)
1915131.6 mm (5.2 in)
191665.3 mm (2.6 in)
1917143.3 mm (5.6 in)
1918202.9 mm (8.0 in)
1919117.4 mm (4.6 in)
1920229.8 mm (9.0 in)
192195.2 mm (3.7 in)
1922136.9 mm (5.4 in)
1923105.2 mm (4.1 in)
192467.1 mm (2.6 in)
1925135.9 mm (5.4 in)
1926120.8 mm (4.8 in)
192799.1 mm (3.9 in)
192883.4 mm (3.3 in)
192961.0 mm (2.4 in)
193063.5 mm (2.5 in)
193193.8 mm (3.7 in)
193285.8 mm (3.4 in)
193398.0 mm (3.9 in)
193478.0 mm (3.1 in)
1935107.5 mm (4.2 in)
1936110.5 mm (4.4 in)
193772.7 mm (2.9 in)
193880.8 mm (3.2 in)
193953.9 mm (2.1 in)
1940135.9 mm (5.4 in)
1941118.4 mm (4.7 in)
194278.5 mm (3.1 in)
1943142.5 mm (5.6 in)
1944234.3 mm (9.2 in)
194593.2 mm (3.7 in)
194683.1 mm (3.3 in)
194789.9 mm (3.5 in)
194861.5 mm (2.4 in)
194979.0 mm (3.1 in)
195086.1 mm (3.4 in)
1951115.0 mm (4.5 in)
195272.4 mm (2.9 in)
195364.0 mm (2.5 in)
1954256.3 mm (10.1 in)
195553.6 mm (2.1 in)
195654.2 mm (2.1 in)
1957120.1 mm (4.7 in)
1958148.1 mm (5.8 in)
1959106.4 mm (4.2 in)
1960102.8 mm (4.0 in)
1961106.7 mm (4.2 in)
196262.7 mm (2.5 in)
1963117.6 mm (4.6 in)
1964123.2 mm (4.9 in)

Longest dry spell (CDD)

Longest dry spell (CDD) at Ames 3 SW by year The longest dry spell of the year at Ames 3 SW, 1893 to 1964. The record is 63 days in 1898, marked on the chart; the median year is 26 days. 0204060801900192019401960Record: 63 days in 1898
The longest dry spell of the year at Ames 3 SW, 1893 to 1964. The record is 63 days in 1898, marked on the chart; the median year is 26 days.
Longest dry spell (CDD) at Ames 3 SW by year
YearLongest dry spell (CDD)
189327 days
189431 days
189533 days
189624 days
189723 days
189863 days
189943 days
190021 days
190120 days
190219 days
190336 days
190442 days
190523 days
190631 days
190725 days
190825 days
190926 days
191046 days
191119 days
191226 days
191328 days
191445 days
191532 days
191631 days
191727 days
191818 days
191931 days
192018 days
192134 days
192220 days
192325 days
192421 days
192522 days
192635 days
192723 days
192835 days
192918 days
193018 days
193144 days
193223 days
193327 days
193434 days
193518 days
193624 days
193721 days
193827 days
193921 days
194020 days
194122 days
194237 days
194326 days
194431 days
194522 days
194632 days
194721 days
194840 days
194921 days
195030 days
195118 days
195255 days
195327 days
195425 days
195521 days
195637 days
195718 days
195829 days
195937 days
196016 days
196116 days
196234 days
196325 days
196417 days

Each chart shows one value per year; the dot marks the record year. TXx is the hottest daily maximum, TNn the coldest daily minimum, Rx1day and Rx5day the largest one-day and five-day rain totals, and CDD the longest run of days with less than 1 mm of rain. A year with missing days can understate an extreme.

Frost Dates and Growing Season

57 years with a frost

Across 57 years with a frost, the median last spring frost at Ames 3 SW falls on 28 April and the median first autumn frost on 5 October, which leaves a median of 160 days between them.

Fitted over all years, the growing season changes by +2.2 days per decade at this station.

Frost dates and growing season at Ames 3 SW
MeasureMedian, all yearsEarliest periodRecent period (1933 to 1963)Recent against earliestFitted trend
Last spring frost28 Apriln/a27 Apriln/a-0.9 days per decade
First autumn frost5 Octobern/a6 Octobern/a+1.4 days per decade
Growing days160 daysn/a161 daysn/a+2.2 days per decade

A frost day is a day with a daily minimum at or below 0 C (32 F). The last spring frost and the first autumn frost are the last and first such days of the cold season, and growing days are the days between them. A negative trend for the last spring frost means it comes earlier.

Rainfall Return Levels

69 years, 1893 to 1963

A day with at least 63.4 mm (2.5 in) of rain is expected about once in 2 years. A day with at least 177.9 mm (7.0 in) of rain is expected about once in 100 years.

Rainfall return levels at Ames 3 SW: the daily rain expected about once in a given number of years
Expected about once inA day with at leastNote
2 years63.4 mm (2.5 in)
5 years86.9 mm (3.4 in)
10 years105.0 mm (4.1 in)
25 years131.2 mm (5.2 in)
50 years153.3 mm (6.0 in)
100 years177.9 mm (7.0 in)Longer than the 69 years of record

The levels come from a generalised extreme value (GEV) distribution fitted by L-moments to the wettest-day total of each year, 69 years of values from 1893 to 1963.

A return level is an estimate. It is least reliable for the long periods, 50 and 100 years, and for any period longer than the record behind the fit, where the fit has to reach past the largest day actually observed. It is not a forecast.

The largest wettest-day totals in the fit: 198.1 mm (7.8 in) in 1920; 151.1 mm (5.9 in) in 1954; 137.2 mm (5.4 in) in 1900.

Station Changes

No change in the annual mean temperature of this station was found against its neighbours.

Download the Data

  • Data for Ames 3 SW standing records by year: CSV or JSON. Field meanings are on the data page.
  • Data for Ames 3 SW threshold days by year: CSV or JSON. Field meanings are on the data page.

Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Historical Climatology Network Daily (GHCN-Daily). Records are computed by World Extreme Weather Monitor and are not official NOAA products. (US Government open data (NOAA NCEI)) Data as of 2026-10-17 (17 October 2026). Records are computed by this site and are not official.

Data as of . Last revised (2025-12-31).