Missouri Weather

Missouri climate

Missouri has a humid continental climate in the north and a humid subtropical climate in the south, placing it at the convergence of multiple weather influences. The state's central location means it receives weather from every direction — Arctic cold from Canada, Gulf moisture from the south, and dry air from the west. This produces highly variable weather and the common saying among Missourians to wait five minutes if you don't like the weather.

Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a major concern in Missouri, particularly during spring. The Joplin tornado of May 2011, rated EF5, killed 158 people and was the deadliest single tornado in the U.S. since 1947. The state also faces significant flooding risks from the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, with catastrophic flood events occurring in 1993 and repeatedly in recent decades.

Missouri experiences hot, humid summers with average highs near 90 degrees Fahrenheit and cold winters with January averages in the upper 20s. The Ozark Plateau in the southern part of the state creates slightly cooler conditions and higher precipitation than the northern plains. Ice storms are a particularly dangerous winter hazard, with the January 2007 ice storm causing over a million power outages across the state.