Climate of Missouri
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Missouri generally has a humid continental climate (Koppen climate classification Dfa), with cool to cold winters and long, hot summers. In the southern part of the state, particularly in the Bootheel, the climate borders on a humid subtropical climate (Koppen Cfa). Due to its location in the interior United States, Missouri often experiences extremes in temperatures. Not having either large mountains or oceans nearby to moderate its temperature, its climate is alternately influenced by air from the cold Arctic and the hot and humid Gulf of Mexico.
| Month | Precipitation | Temp. |
|---|---|---|
| Janry | 2.1 in | 29.8 °F |
| Feb | 2.0 in | 33.8 °F |
| March | 3.3 in | 43.5 °F |
| April | 4.0 in | 54.6 °F |
| May | 4.8 in | 64.2 °F |
| June | 4.65 in | 73 °F |
| July | 3.8 in | 77.6 °F |
| Aug | 3.7 in | 76 °F |
| Sep | 4.0 in | 68.3 °F |
| Oct | 3.2 in | 57.1 °F |
| Nov | 2.9 in | 44 °F |
| Dec | 2.4 in | 33.3 °F |
While the table to the right would suggest a very mild climate one has to consider that a temperature fluctuation of 20 degrees Fahrenheit on average and 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (17 to 22 degrees Celsius) in a twenty four hour period is common. The mean temperature should not be used in discussions regarding the climate of Missouri. Although the mean temperature for June and July is only 73 °F and 76 °F (23 °C and 24 °C) it is not uncommon for the temperature to reach 100 °F (38 °C) at least 3 concurrent days each week in these months, as it did in 1904 during the World Fair where the temperature in St. Louis, Missouri was 103 °F (39 °C).
Winter, December through February, is typically cold though without much snow as there is often little precipitation during the winter months. The months Dec-Feb receive the least amount of rain by far than any other season. Although the winter does not produce a lot of precipitation it is not uncommon to receive 1 to 2 inches of snow each week during the winter months from January to March. The mean temperature for these months from 1895 until 2003 has been approximately 0 °C or (32 °F) and the mean precipitation for those years has been 165 mm (6.5 inches). January typically has the coldest mean temperatures though not necessarily the extreme lows for the year. Temperatures for this season have been slowly rising from 1895 about 0.11 °F (0.06 °C) per decade.
Spring, March through May, is generally the wettest season of the year with the mean temperature from 1895 until 2003 being about 12°C (54°F) and its mean precipitation (in the form of rain) for this period being approximately 300 mm (12 inches). The spring rains often continue through June. The spring also produces the most tornadoes with an average of 90 tornados each year.
Summer, June through August, is the hottest time of the year with a mean temperature of 24°C (75 °F, 24 °C) and a mean precipitation of 300 mm (12 inches) with June having more precipitation than either July or August. The extreme highs for the year often occur in July or August.
Fall, September through November, has less and less precipitation towards the end of the season. The mean temperatures for this season are 13.6°C (56.5°F) and the mean precipitation is 250mm (10 in).
[edit] External links
- National Climatic Data Center - Missouri *BROKEN LINK*
