Climate & Weather in Ottumwa

Ottumwa has a real, genuine four-season southeastern Iowa climate, distinguished by its direct Des Moines River setting.

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Four real, distinct seasons

Ottumwa experiences cold winters and warm summers typical of southeastern Iowa, with real severe-thunderstorm and tornado risk concentrated in the spring-through-summer season (base record).

A real, distinct river-flood factor

Ottumwa's direct Des Moines River setting, which genuinely splits the city in two, adds a real, genuine flood-risk dimension (base record).

No meaningful earthquake or hurricane risk

Consistent with Iowa's statewide hazard profile, Ottumwa carries no meaningful earthquake or hurricane risk (base record).

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-27. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.