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Weather & Climate in Alton, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Alton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 254 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 45.3 inches. The area receives 2.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 797 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.4°F |
| 4% above US avg | |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 254 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 797 ft (243 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 412/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.6945°N, 91.3996°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sharp County Regional (CKK) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
108 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.5.
| May 4, 1991 | 2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri | M4.5 | 141 km | 11 km |
| May 1, 2005 | 5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas | M4.2 | 148 km | 10 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 | 3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas | M4.1 | 147 km | 15 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 | 9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas | M3.9 | 45 km | 10 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 | 11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri | M3.9 | 15 km | 8 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 | 19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas | M3.9 | 36 km | 10 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 | 3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas | M3.8 | 145 km | 0 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 | 2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas | M3.8 | 141 km | 0 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 | 13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas | M3.7 | 110 km | 18 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 | 7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas | M3.7 | 141 km | 14 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 | 5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri | M3.7 | 21 km | 0 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 | 6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas | M3.6 | 150 km | 17 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 | 6 km E of Grandin, Missouri | M3.6 | 60 km | 11 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 | 6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas | M3.6 | 146 km | 6 km |
| Aug 20, 1994 | 4 km NE of Black Rock, Arkansas | M3.5 | 69 km | 10 km |
| Jan 8, 1993 | 6 km WSW of Gosnell, Arkansas | M3.5 | 149 km | 22 km |
| Feb 6, 1993 | 6 km NNW of Catron, Missouri | M3.3 | 149 km | 8 km |
| Jan 20, 2010 | 4 km WNW of Lynn, Arkansas | M3.3 | 76 km | 0 km |
| Jul 17, 2013 | 7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas | M3.2 | 141 km | 14 km |
| Apr 23, 1994 | 7 km W of Gosnell, Arkansas | M3.2 | 146 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
379 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 32 fatalities, 608 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 24, 2002 | EF4 | 48 km | 40.5 mi | 0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 | EF4 | 89 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Dec 24, 1982 | EF4 | 61 km | 63.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 | EF4 | 75 km | 20.0 mi | 2 |
| Apr 22, 1981 | EF4 | 88 km | 63.0 mi | 1 |
| May 21, 1957 | EF4 | 35 km | 9.1 mi | 7 |
| May 26, 2024 | EF3 | 50 km | 12.4 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2011 | EF3 | 51 km | 47.4 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 2009 | EF3 | 52 km | 2.2 mi | 0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 | EF3 | 68 km | 15.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 2, 2006 | EF3 | 65 km | 77.0 mi | 2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 | EF3 | 94 km | 15.0 mi | 1 |
| Mar 1, 1997 | EF3 | 96 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 5, 1996 | EF3 | 94 km | 46.5 mi | 0 |
| Oct 18, 1984 | EF3 | 14 km | 26.0 mi | 1 |
| Dec 2, 1982 | EF3 | 61 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 | EF3 | 71 km | 1.5 mi | 2 |
| Apr 11, 1979 | EF3 | 74 km | 35.4 mi | 0 |
| Feb 21, 1976 | EF3 | 82 km | 23.7 mi | 1 |
| May 7, 1973 | EF3 | 94 km | 36.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: HANDY (12,818 acres, 2012).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2012 | HANDY | 12,818 | 29 km |
| 2011 | UNNAMED | 9,641 | 30 km |
| 2022 | CEDAR BLUFF | 9,617 | 28 km |
| 2020 | BIG BARREN CREEK | 8,150 | 31 km |
| 2022 | STEGALL MOUNTAIN | 6,979 | 47 km |
| 2010 | WYLIE KING 1 | 6,077 | 78 km |
| 2015 | 15 STEGAL MOUNTAIN | 5,112 | 47 km |
| 2021 | ROCK PILE | 5,067 | 63 km |
| 2011 | MINNINGHAW | 4,792 | 86 km |
| 2024 | BRIDGES RX | 4,781 | 33 km |
| 2009 | STEGAL MTN. COMPLEX | 4,717 | 46 km |
| 2017 | UNNAMED | 4,602 | 85 km |
| 2021 | MILLER KING | 4,130 | 76 km |
| 1999 | STEGALL99 | 3,415 | 46 km |
| 2013 | UNNAMED | 3,313 | 72 km |
| 2005 | UNNAMED | 3,252 | 83 km |
| 2021 | VICTORY 1-7 | 3,237 | 79 km |
| 2024 | WOLF MOUNTAIN RX | 3,140 | 27 km |
| 1988 | HANES 1 | 3,139 | 25 km |
| 2011 | MUD POND | 3,030 | 29 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F (0°C) | 2.6 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 38°F (3°C) | 2.9 in | |
| March | 47°F (8°C) | 4.6 in | |
| April | 57°F (14°C) | 4.3 in | |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4.7 in | Wettest |
| June | 73°F (23°C) | 3.6 in | |
| July | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 77°F (25°C) | 3.5 in | |
| September | 69°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | |
| October | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 in | |
| November | 47°F (8°C) | 4.5 in | |
| December | 37°F (3°C) | 4.2 in |
Alton has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 32°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.6").