Weather & Climate in Richards, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Richards enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.5 inches. The area receives 8.4 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 837 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 57.0°F |
| 6% above US avg | |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 837 ft (255 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 163/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9073°N, 94.5572°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN) 49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.3.
| May 18, 2005 | Missouri | M3.3 | 80 km | 5 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 | 1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri | M3.1 | 108 km | 5 km |
| May 13, 1999 | 6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas | M3.0 | 133 km | 5 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 | 3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri | M2.6 | 87 km | 2 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
484 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 188 fatalities, 1,515 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 | EF5 | 95 km | 21.6 mi | 158 |
| Feb 28, 2007 | EF4 | 54 km | 28.0 mi | 0 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF4 | 72 km | 33.0 mi | 4 |
| Apr 12, 1964 | EF4 | 69 km | 19.4 mi | 3 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 89 km | 9.2 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 73 km | 11.3 mi | 3 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 99 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 2005 | EF3 | 88 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 38 km | 86.0 mi | 5 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 98 km | 25.0 mi | 5 |
| May 4, 1999 | EF3 | 56 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 17, 1995 | EF3 | 12 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 | EF3 | 55 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 | EF3 | 47 km | 70.0 mi | 2 |
| Mar 15, 1982 | EF3 | 66 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 | EF3 | 88 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF3 | 58 km | 29.8 mi | 2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF3 | 78 km | 7.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF3 | 76 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| May 5, 1971 | EF3 | 92 km | 13.1 mi | 1 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
15 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (2,089 acres, 2006).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2006 | UNNAMED | 2,089 | 81 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 2,043 | 29 km |
| 2005 | NR STEELE | 1,652 | 36 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 1,539 | 49 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 1,356 | 70 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 1,346 | 54 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 1,305 | 64 km |
| 2006 | GRAND | 1,067 | 48 km |
| 2005 | UNNAMED | 860 | 64 km |
| 2000 | UNNAMED | 802 | 48 km |
| 2009 | REYNOLDS HOLLOW | 728 | 90 km |
| 2006 | SALT CREEK MARSH | 720 | 69 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 636 | 68 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 624 | 63 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 515 | 66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F (0°C) | 1.4 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 37°F (3°C) | 1.8 in | |
| March | 47°F (8°C) | 2.9 in | |
| April | 57°F (14°C) | 4.9 in | |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 6.2 in | Wettest |
| June | 76°F (24°C) | 5.7 in | |
| July | 80°F (27°C) | 4.6 in | Warmest |
| August | 79°F (26°C) | 4.0 in | |
| September | 70°F (21°C) | 4.5 in | |
| October | 58°F (15°C) | 3.6 in | |
| November | 46°F (8°C) | 2.8 in | |
| December | 36°F (2°C) | 2.1 in |
Richards has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 32°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.2") and January the driest (1.4").