Weather and climate in Missouri: Humid continental climate. Hot, humid summers. Cold winters with snow. Spring brings thunderstorms. Tornadoes common in spring. Flooding risk in low areas. Four distinct seasons. Average rainfall: 40 inches. Hillier regions cooler. Weather fluctuates rapidly.
Humid continental climate.
In Northern and Central Missouri, the climate is characterized as Humid Continental, marked by hot, humid summers with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 91°F and cold winters with temperatures sometimes dropping below 20°F. This region experiences significant temperature variations and occasional heatwaves exceeding 100°F. For more information on the region's climate, you can visit the Climate of Missouri page.
Hot, humid summers.
Missouri's summers are characterized by hot and humid conditions, with daytime highs around 90°F from June through August. The high humidity makes the temperatures feel even hotter, and common afternoon thunderstorms often occur. However, overall precipitation is not significantly higher than other times of the year. For more detailed insights into the climate, visit this comprehensive Weather Guide. This information can help you better prepare for the vibrant yet challenging summer months in Missouri.
Cold winters with snow.
Missouri experiences cold winters with significant snowfall, particularly in the northern half and the Ozarks, where winters average 100 to 110 days of below freezing temperatures and receive 18 to 24 inches of snow annually. The city of St. Louis, for instance, averages around 17 inches of snow per year. For more detailed information on Missouri's weather patterns, you can visit the Missouri's Weather and Climate webpage.
Spring brings thunderstorms.
Spring in Missouri is marked by an increase in severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, due to the jet stream's proximity to the area and the clash of air masses as winter remnants give way to summer heat, leading to higher-than-average tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings in 2024. This period, particularly April and May, is prone to heavy rainfall, hail, and strong winds, with a significant portion of the state's annual tornadoes occurring during these months.
Tornadoes common in spring.
Missouri experiences a significant increase in tornado activity during the spring, particularly in April and May. Nearly 50% of the state's average of over 30 tornadoes per year occur during these months, driven by the clash of winter and summer air masses and the formation of severe thunderstorms and supercells. To learn more about this phenomenon, you can visit the Missouri Climate Center, which provides detailed insights into the state's weather patterns and tornado statistics.
Flooding risk in low areas.
Missouri, particularly areas like St. Louis, faces significant flooding risks due to its geographical location near major rivers and a climate prone to heavy rainfall and dry spells. Flood zones such as Zone A and AE indicate high-risk areas with a 1% annual chance of flooding. Over 40% of St. Charles County is classified as flood-prone, highlighting the critical need for accurate flood insurance rate maps and floodplain development ordinances to protect life and property, especially in low-lying areas. For a deeper understanding of these risks, the Comprehensive Guide on St. Louis flood zones provides valuable insights into managing such challenges.
Four distinct seasons.
Missouri experiences four distinct seasons with a humid continental climate, characterized by hot and humid summers, cold winters, a wet and potentially tornado-prone spring, and a mild fall with cooling temperatures and vibrant foliage. The state's climate is influenced by cold Canadian air, warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, and drier air from the southwest, leading to significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. For more details, visit the comprehensive Missouri Weather Guide which provides an in-depth look at the seasonal weather patterns across the state.
Average rainfall: 40 inches.
Missouri's average annual precipitation varies widely, but central and parts of the state receive around 40 inches of rainfall. For example, places like Columbia and Jefferson City in central Missouri average around 41-43 inches of precipitation annually. To learn more about the Average Yearly Precipitation in Missouri, you can visit the comprehensive resource available online.
Hillier regions cooler.
In Missouri, the hillier regions, such as the Ozark Plateau, experience local variations in temperature and precipitation due to the topography. These areas can be cooler than the surrounding plains, with winds blowing across the mountains leading to "downslope" winds that warm and dry the air in downstream areas. For more detailed information on the regional climate differences in Missouri, visit the Regional Climate Summary provided by the National Weather Service.
Weather fluctuates rapidly.
Missouri's weather fluctuates rapidly due to its location in the interior United States, where it is influenced by cold Arctic air and warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico. This unique positioning results in a wide variety of weather conditions and a true four-season climate with significant temperature extremes. For more detailed information, you can visit the Climate of Missouri page which provides an extensive overview of the state's diverse climatic conditions.