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Weather & Climate in Joplin, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Joplin enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 256 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 44.2 inches. The area receives 1.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,004 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 57.4°F |
| 6% above US avg | |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 256 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,004 ft (306 m) |
| Area | 35.7 sq mi (92.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,371/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.0842°N, 94.5133°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN) 8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.1.
| Mar 30, 2001 | 1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri | M3.1 | 141 km | 5 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 | 9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma | M2.8 | 116 km | 5 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 | 7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma | M2.7 | 129 km | 5 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 | 6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma | M2.6 | 147 km | 5 km |
| May 21, 2010 | 2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas | M2.6 | 84 km | 1 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 | 3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas | M2.5 | 85 km | 0 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
639 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 226 fatalities, 2,195 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 | EF5 | 8 km | 21.6 mi | 158 |
| May 10, 2008 | EF4 | 56 km | 75.5 mi | 21 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF4 | 64 km | 33.0 mi | 4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 | EF4 | 29 km | 11.9 mi | 3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 | EF4 | 70 km | 20.4 mi | 1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 | EF4 | 54 km | 41.8 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2024 | EF3 | 88 km | 7.9 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 10 km | 9.2 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 35 km | 11.3 mi | 3 |
| May 22, 2011 | EF3 | 75 km | 17.9 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 96 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 64 km | 42.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 21, 2005 | EF3 | 83 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 54 km | 86.0 mi | 5 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 33 km | 49.0 mi | 7 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 39 km | 25.0 mi | 5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 | EF3 | 93 km | 34.0 mi | 0 |
| May 17, 1995 | EF3 | 83 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 29, 1983 | EF3 | 95 km | 5.5 mi | 1 |
| Mar 26, 1983 | EF3 | 42 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (4,424 acres, 2004).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 4,424 | 88 km |
| 1986 | UNNAMED | 3,427 | 23 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 3,160 | 91 km |
| 2021 | BRUSH CREEK | 2,814 | 82 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 2,661 | 90 km |
| 2002 | ROUNDTPCOX | 2,248 | 81 km |
| 2021 | EAST FORK | 2,134 | 89 km |
| 2021 | BIG CREEK | 2,123 | 90 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 2,043 | 81 km |
| 1992 | UNNAMED | 1,996 | 92 km |
| 1995 | UNNAMED | 1,992 | 92 km |
| 2024 | EAST FORK RX | 1,956 | 89 km |
| 2018 | ROCK CREEK RX | 1,956 | 84 km |
| 2013 | ROCK CREEK RX | 1,888 | 84 km |
| 2022 | ROCK CREEK | 1,867 | 84 km |
| 1989 | UNNAMED | 1,774 | 92 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 1,539 | 92 km |
| 1989 | UNNAMED | 1,523 | 41 km |
| 2010 | NO TORCH | 1,356 | 82 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 1,346 | 70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°F (0°C) | 1.7 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 38°F (4°C) | 2.1 in | |
| March | 48°F (9°C) | 3.6 in | |
| April | 58°F (14°C) | 4.1 in | |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 5.0 in | |
| June | 74°F (24°C) | 5.1 in | |
| July | 79°F (26°C) | 3.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 78°F (26°C) | 3.8 in | |
| September | 70°F (21°C) | 5.2 in | Wettest |
| October | 60°F (15°C) | 3.9 in | |
| November | 47°F (8°C) | 3.9 in | |
| December | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 in |
Joplin has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 33°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (1.7").