Weather & Climate in Chain of Rocks, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Chain of Rocks enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches. The area receives 14.8 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 486 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg | |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 486 ft (148 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,550/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.9151°N, 90.8015°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Lambert International (STL) 26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
24 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.9.
| Jun 7, 2011 | 18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri | M3.9 | 94 km | 21 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 | 9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois | M3.4 | 141 km | 0 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 | 5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri | M3.3 | 97 km | 22 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 | 9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois | M3.1 | 136 km | 17 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 | 1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri | M2.9 | 99 km | 4 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 | 6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri | M2.9 | 113 km | 5 km |
| May 18, 2006 | 9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri | M2.9 | 99 km | 6 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 | 1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri | M2.8 | 50 km | 8 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 | 1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois | M2.8 | 117 km | 24 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 | 8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri | M2.8 | 136 km | 5 km |
| May 5, 2008 | 3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri | M2.8 | 58 km | 19 km |
| Sep 13, 1997 | 3 km SSE of Darmstadt, Illinois | M2.8 | 118 km | 16 km |
| Jul 15, 1990 | 7 km SW of Potosi, Missouri | M2.7 | 115 km | 3 km |
| Nov 12, 1996 | 15 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri | M2.7 | 108 km | 5 km |
| Jul 22, 1998 | 12 km NE of Mine La Motte, Missouri | M2.7 | 147 km | 11 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 | 5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri | M2.7 | 61 km | 8 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 | 8 km NE of Bonne Terre, Missouri | M2.6 | 108 km | 12 km |
| Feb 3, 2014 | 18 km NW of Potosi, Missouri | M2.6 | 95 km | 14 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 | 7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri | M2.6 | 86 km | 7 km |
| Jun 6, 2017 | 8 km ENE of Bonne Terre, Missouri | M2.6 | 112 km | 25 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
512 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 52 fatalities, 1,019 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 22, 2011 | EF4 | 34 km | 21.3 mi | 0 |
| Apr 3, 1981 | EF4 | 62 km | 11.9 mi | 0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 | EF4 | 34 km | 25.0 mi | 3 |
| Feb 10, 1959 | EF4 | 46 km | 23.9 mi | 21 |
| Feb 24, 1956 | EF4 | 53 km | 77.6 mi | 6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 | EF3 | 67 km | 4.2 mi | 6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 | EF3 | 36 km | 24.8 mi | 1 |
| May 31, 2013 | EF3 | 26 km | 31.7 mi | 0 |
| May 31, 2013 | EF3 | 58 km | 10.6 mi | 0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | EF3 | 55 km | 6.7 mi | 1 |
| Mar 13, 2006 | EF3 | 51 km | 44.5 mi | 0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 | EF3 | 46 km | 6.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 | EF3 | 98 km | 5.1 mi | 0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 | EF3 | 77 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 | EF3 | 16 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 | EF3 | 11 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 1983 | EF3 | 63 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 1983 | EF3 | 65 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 22, 1981 | EF3 | 86 km | 7.1 mi | 1 |
| Apr 7, 1980 | EF3 | 44 km | 7.3 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: CICERO CREEK (1,846 acres, 2004).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2004 | CICERO CREEK | 1,846 | 100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F (-0°C) | 2.4 in | Coldest |
| February | 36°F (2°C) | 2.0 in | Driest |
| March | 46°F (8°C) | 3.5 in | |
| April | 56°F (14°C) | 4.6 in | Wettest |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 4.6 in | |
| June | 75°F (24°C) | 4.3 in | |
| July | 79°F (26°C) | 3.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 77°F (25°C) | 3.4 in | |
| September | 69°F (20°C) | 3.0 in | |
| October | 57°F (14°C) | 3.1 in | |
| November | 45°F (7°C) | 3.3 in | |
| December | 36°F (2°C) | 2.3 in |
Chain of Rocks has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.8 inches, with April being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (2.0").