Weather & Climate in Rolla, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Rolla enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,125 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.3°F |
| 4% above US avg | |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,125 ft (343 m) |
| Area | 11.9 sq mi (30.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,662/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.9514°N, 91.7713°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Waynesville-St Robert Regional Forney Field (TBN) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
33 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 | 77 km | 21 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 | 11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri | M3.9 | 142 km | 8 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 | 5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri | M3.7 | 130 km | 0 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 | Missouri | M3.3 | 119 km | 5 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 | 5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri | M3.3 | 118 km | 22 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 | 5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri | M3.1 | 79 km | 5 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 | 1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri | M3.1 | 136 km | 5 km |
| Mar 18, 1990 | 9 km W of Alton, Missouri | M3.0 | 142 km | 1 km |
| May 18, 2006 | 9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri | M2.9 | 110 km | 6 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 | 1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri | M2.9 | 45 km | 4 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 | 1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri | M2.8 | 128 km | 8 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 | 8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri | M2.8 | 89 km | 5 km |
| May 5, 2008 | 3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri | M2.8 | 133 km | 19 km |
| May 14, 2007 | 12 km NE of Alton, Missouri | M2.7 | 136 km | 8 km |
| Jul 22, 1998 | 12 km NE of Mine La Motte, Missouri | M2.7 | 143 km | 11 km |
| Oct 26, 1998 | 10 km NE of Van Buren, Missouri | M2.7 | 123 km | 4 km |
| Nov 5, 1996 | 11 km SW of Marquand, Missouri | M2.7 | 147 km | 2 km |
| Nov 12, 1996 | 15 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri | M2.7 | 120 km | 5 km |
| Jul 15, 1990 | 7 km SW of Potosi, Missouri | M2.7 | 82 km | 3 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 | 5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri | M2.7 | 124 km | 8 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
311 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 33 fatalities, 332 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 22, 1969 | EF4 | 59 km | 20.2 mi | 2 |
| Dec 21, 1967 | EF4 | 64 km | 27.9 mi | 3 |
| Feb 24, 1956 | EF4 | 93 km | 77.6 mi | 6 |
| Mar 25, 1954 | EF4 | 81 km | 12.1 mi | 2 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 85 km | 32.7 mi | 0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | EF3 | 3 km | 11.0 mi | 2 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | EF3 | 47 km | 7.5 mi | 0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 | EF3 | 23 km | 4.7 mi | 0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 | EF3 | 26 km | 1.8 mi | 0 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 93 km | 14.0 mi | 4 |
| Jun 1, 1999 | EF3 | 10 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| May 1, 1983 | EF3 | 57 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Dec 8, 1966 | EF3 | 88 km | 1.3 mi | 0 |
| May 21, 1957 | EF3 | 77 km | 22.2 mi | 8 |
| May 21, 1957 | EF3 | 51 km | 10.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 15, 2023 | EF2 | 20 km | 6.9 mi | 0 |
| May 11, 2016 | EF2 | 53 km | 4.4 mi | 0 |
| Jun 19, 2011 | EF2 | 38 km | 2.8 mi | 0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | EF2 | 88 km | 12.2 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 2009 | EF2 | 77 km | 2.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (5,344 acres, 1994).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1994 | UNNAMED | 5,344 | 92 km |
| 2011 | MINNINGHAW | 4,792 | 66 km |
| 2010 | UNNAMED | 4,767 | 100 km |
| 2017 | UNNAMED | 4,602 | 66 km |
| 2023 | ELM SPRINGS RX | 4,378 | 23 km |
| 2009 | MOUNTAIN CREEK | 4,322 | 92 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 4,179 | 99 km |
| 2022 | SMITH MILL HOLLOW | 3,978 | 67 km |
| 2023 | CANNON RANGE RX | 3,870 | 55 km |
| 2021 | UNNAMED | 3,665 | 61 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 3,533 | 95 km |
| 1994 | UNNAMED | 3,336 | 89 km |
| 2021 | KAINTUCK | 3,325 | 18 km |
| 2005 | UNNAMED | 3,252 | 68 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 3,135 | 99 km |
| 2021 | COUNCIL BLUFF | 3,035 | 78 km |
| 2022 | LITTLE CREEK | 3,004 | 68 km |
| 2021 | HODGE HOLLOW | 2,922 | 63 km |
| 2012 | KINFOLK RD | 2,883 | 92 km |
| 2024 | COUNCIL BLUFF WEST RX | 2,846 | 78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F (-0°C) | 2.7 in | Coldest |
| February | 36°F (2°C) | 2.5 in | Driest |
| March | 45°F (7°C) | 4.1 in | |
| April | 56°F (14°C) | 4.9 in | |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 5.5 in | Wettest |
| June | 74°F (24°C) | 4.4 in | |
| July | 79°F (26°C) | 4.7 in | Warmest |
| August | 78°F (25°C) | 4.5 in | |
| September | 70°F (21°C) | 4.0 in | |
| October | 58°F (15°C) | 3.3 in | |
| November | 46°F (8°C) | 3.9 in | |
| December | 36°F (2°C) | 2.8 in |
Rolla has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.5") and February the driest (2.5").