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Weather & Climate in McAlester, OK
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
McAlester enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 310 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 42.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 735 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 62.3°F |
| 15% above US avg | |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 735 ft (224 m) |
| Area | 16.1 sq mi (41.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,017/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.9261°N, 95.7736°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pittsburg County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Alester Regional (MLC) 3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Moderate |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Very High |
| Drought | Relatively High |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
733 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M5.1.
| Feb 3, 2024 | 8 km NW of Prague, Oklahoma | M5.1 | 113 km | 3 km |
| Sep 6, 1997 | 6 km N of Tupelo, Oklahoma | M4.5 | 67 km | 5 km |
| Apr 16, 2013 | Oklahoma | M4.4 | 146 km | 6 km |
| Apr 16, 2013 | 3 km WSW of Wellston, Oklahoma | M4.2 | 147 km | 7 km |
| Jul 14, 2017 | 10 km WSW of Shamrock, Oklahoma | M4.2 | 133 km | 7 km |
| Feb 27, 2010 | 8 km SE of Sparks, Oklahoma | M4.1 | 113 km | 5 km |
| Apr 3, 2012 | 8 km SSW of Pittsburg, Oklahoma | M4.1 | 34 km | 5 km |
| Sep 25, 2015 | 1 km W of Cushing, Oklahoma | M4.0 | 150 km | 3 km |
| Apr 6, 2023 | 4 km ESE of Carney, Oklahoma | M4.0 | 145 km | 7 km |
| Aug 17, 2016 | 2 km SW of Wellston, Oklahoma | M4.0 | 145 km | 6 km |
| Jul 15, 2014 | 3 km N of Harrah, Oklahoma | M3.9 | 142 km | 7 km |
| Apr 16, 2012 | 8 km NW of Prague, Oklahoma | M3.8 | 112 km | 4 km |
| Jan 9, 2014 | 8 km SSE of Sparks, Oklahoma | M3.8 | 114 km | 3 km |
| Sep 16, 2017 | 10 km WSW of Shamrock, Oklahoma | M3.8 | 133 km | 7 km |
| May 10, 2012 | 9 km WNW of Prague, Oklahoma | M3.8 | 112 km | 5 km |
| Jun 16, 2021 | 3 km SE of Carney, Oklahoma | M3.7 | 146 km | 7 km |
| Aug 24, 2021 | 1 km S of Quinton, Oklahoma | M3.7 | 42 km | 7 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 | 1 km ENE of Quinton, Oklahoma | M3.7 | 44 km | 6 km |
| Sep 16, 2015 | 2 km WSW of Cushing, Oklahoma | M3.7 | 149 km | 4 km |
| Mar 22, 2010 | 8 km SE of Sparks, Oklahoma | M3.7 | 113 km | 8 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
635 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 76 fatalities, 663 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 1982 | EF5 | 91 km | 53.0 mi | 0 |
| May 11, 1992 | EF4 | 25 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| May 17, 1981 | EF4 | 89 km | 33.6 mi | 0 |
| Mar 26, 1976 | EF4 | 66 km | 10.7 mi | 1 |
| May 26, 1973 | EF4 | 81 km | 3.6 mi | 5 |
| Apr 27, 1966 | EF4 | 97 km | 10.2 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1961 | EF4 | 71 km | 26.4 mi | 16 |
| May 5, 1960 | EF4 | 44 km | 62.4 mi | 16 |
| May 4, 1960 | EF4 | 94 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| May 9, 1959 | EF4 | 81 km | 6.2 mi | 7 |
| Apr 28, 1950 | EF4 | 60 km | 4.5 mi | 5 |
| Apr 27, 2024 | EF3 | 62 km | 27.9 mi | 2 |
| May 9, 2016 | EF3 | 99 km | 9.1 mi | 1 |
| Apr 14, 2011 | EF3 | 83 km | 17.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 1, 1999 | EF3 | 61 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| May 26, 1997 | EF3 | 29 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 11, 1992 | EF3 | 67 km | 12.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 21, 1991 | EF3 | 94 km | 11.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 | EF3 | 66 km | 22.0 mi | 8 |
| Nov 22, 1983 | EF3 | 67 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (27,091 acres, 2004).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 27,091 | 35 km |
| 2011 | HOG TRAP | 22,895 | 40 km |
| 2009 | BURNT TRUST | 22,578 | 32 km |
| 2011 | UNNAMED | 17,973 | 36 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 16,700 | 29 km |
| 2005 | CABINESS | 14,646 | 26 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 14,138 | 46 km |
| 2009 | 40 ACRE TURNAROUND | 13,985 | 30 km |
| 2016 | PHAROAH | 13,579 | 74 km |
| 2016 | WEST CAVANAL FIRE | 13,100 | 92 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 12,163 | 43 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 12,086 | 99 km |
| 2011 | UNNAMED | 11,348 | 28 km |
| 2005 | UNNAMED | 10,935 | 63 km |
| 2011 | UNNAMED | 10,444 | 58 km |
| 2005 | WEWOKA CREEK | 9,921 | 60 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 9,481 | 28 km |
| 2011 | TI VALLEY | 9,205 | 30 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 9,165 | 49 km |
| 2007 | EASY TO HANDLE | 9,120 | 32 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41°F (5°C) | 2.0 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 44°F (7°C) | 2.6 in | |
| March | 53°F (11°C) | 3.9 in | |
| April | 61°F (16°C) | 4.2 in | |
| May | 69°F (20°C) | 6.1 in | Wettest |
| June | 77°F (25°C) | 4.2 in | |
| July | 83°F (28°C) | 2.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 81°F (27°C) | 3.0 in | |
| September | 74°F (23°C) | 5.0 in | |
| October | 63°F (17°C) | 4.4 in | |
| November | 51°F (11°C) | 3.6 in | |
| December | 43°F (6°C) | 2.8 in |
McAlester has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 41°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.1") and January the driest (2.0").