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Weather & Climate in Bolivar, MO

Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.

Bolivar experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.8 inches. The area receives 4.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,060 feet.

Temperature

30°F Jan (-1°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average55.4°F
3% above US avg
January Average30°F (-1°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days258 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,060 ft (323 m)
Area8.2 sq mi (21.3 km²)
Population Density1,336/sq mi
Coordinates37.6145°N, 93.4105°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
Nearest AirportJoplin Regional (JLN)
66 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 42.8"
13% above US avg
Snowfall 4.4"
Wettest Month (May) 4.92"
Driest Month (Jan) 1.65"

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Earthquake History

12 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.6.

Jun 11, 2017 6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas M3.6 143 km 6 km
May 18, 2005 Missouri M3.3 106 km 5 km
Jul 31, 2005 Missouri M3.3 137 km 5 km
Mar 30, 2001 1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri M3.1 36 km 5 km
Jan 21, 1992 5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri M3.1 78 km 5 km
Jun 16, 2017 6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas M2.9 143 km 6 km
Apr 4, 2015 3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri M2.6 88 km 2 km
Apr 23, 2025 3 km E of Hartville, Missouri M2.6 92 km 4 km
Apr 29, 2018 3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri M2.5 69 km 2 km
Jun 21, 2017 6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas M2.5 143 km 5 km
May 13, 2015 8 km E of Lead Hill, Arkansas M2.5 142 km 0 km
Jan 4, 2024 13 km E of South Lead Hill, Arkansas M2.5 146 km 4 km
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.

Tornado History

472 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 405 injuries.

Date Rating Distance Path Fatalities
Nov 29, 1991 EF4 58 km 10.0 mi 2
Sep 26, 1959 EF4 72 km 7.8 mi 0
May 22, 2019 EF3 80 km 11.3 mi 3
Jan 7, 2008 EF3 43 km 50.4 mi 3
Mar 12, 2006 EF3 26 km 17.0 mi 0
Mar 12, 2006 EF3 79 km 42.0 mi 1
Mar 12, 2006 EF3 63 km 32.0 mi 0
May 4, 2003 EF3 60 km 14.0 mi 4
May 4, 2003 EF3 98 km 86.0 mi 5
May 4, 1999 EF3 61 km 3.0 mi 0
May 17, 1995 EF3 96 km 14.0 mi 0
Apr 29, 1983 EF3 46 km 5.5 mi 1
Mar 15, 1982 EF3 54 km 14.0 mi 0
Mar 26, 1976 EF3 94 km 29.1 mi 1
Apr 20, 1973 EF3 77 km 19.4 mi 0
Apr 20, 1973 EF3 93 km 10.1 mi 0
Apr 20, 1973 EF3 90 km 5.0 mi 0
Apr 20, 1973 EF3 56 km 7.8 mi 0
Apr 20, 1973 EF3 35 km 1.0 mi 0
Apr 30, 2019 EF2 64 km 10.3 mi 0
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).

Wildfire History

20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (7,388 acres, 1994).

Year Name Acres Burned Distance
1994 UNNAMED 7,388 54 km
1994 UNNAMED 5,344 57 km
2006 BIG SPRING FIRE 4,921 52 km
2010 UNNAMED 4,767 56 km
2009 MOUNTAIN CREEK 4,322 57 km
1991 UNNAMED 4,179 50 km
1992 UNNAMED 3,538 56 km
1991 UNNAMED 3,533 54 km
1991 UNNAMED 3,492 47 km
1994 UNNAMED 3,336 63 km
1991 UNNAMED 3,135 52 km
2012 KINFOLK RD 2,883 57 km
1991 UNNAMED 2,763 60 km
2007 UNNAMED 2,710 52 km
2005 UNNAMED 2,590 55 km
2006 UNNAMED 2,575 56 km
1991 UNNAMED 2,569 60 km
2002 UNNAMED 2,418 61 km
1991 UNNAMED 2,369 63 km
2019 SWAN CREEK 2,365 93 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 30°F (-1°C) 1.7 in Coldest, Driest
February 36°F (2°C) 2.1 in
March 46°F (8°C) 3.6 in
April 55°F (13°C) 4.0 in
May 64°F (18°C) 4.9 in Wettest
June 73°F (23°C) 4.8 in
July 78°F (26°C) 3.3 in Warmest
August 77°F (25°C) 3.5 in
September 69°F (21°C) 4.6 in
October 58°F (14°C) 4.0 in
November 45°F (7°C) 3.5 in
December 35°F (2°C) 2.7 in

Bolivar has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (1.7").

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