Weather & Climate in Schell City, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Schell City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.0 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 778 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg | |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 778 ft (237 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 265/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.0200°N, 94.1158°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN) 60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.3.
| May 18, 2005 | Missouri | M3.3 | 51 km | 5 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 | Missouri | M3.3 | 144 km | 5 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 | 1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri | M3.1 | 70 km | 5 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 | 5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri | M3.1 | 127 km | 5 km |
| May 13, 1999 | 6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas | M3.0 | 130 km | 5 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 | 3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri | M2.6 | 50 km | 2 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 | 3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri | M2.5 | 141 km | 2 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
431 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 293 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Feb 28, 2007 | EF4 | 87 km | 28.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 1973 | EF4 | 76 km | 10.0 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 80 km | 11.3 mi | 3 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 63 km | 17.0 mi | 0 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 61 km | 86.0 mi | 5 |
| May 4, 1999 | EF3 | 17 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| May 17, 1995 | EF3 | 38 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 | EF3 | 83 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 | EF3 | 47 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 | EF3 | 91 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 | EF3 | 81 km | 70.0 mi | 2 |
| May 12, 1980 | EF3 | 94 km | 15.8 mi | 0 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF3 | 59 km | 29.8 mi | 2 |
| May 4, 1977 | EF3 | 92 km | 11.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF3 | 77 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF3 | 57 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF3 | 72 km | 7.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF3 | 79 km | 19.4 mi | 0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 | EF3 | 74 km | 10.1 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1968 | EF3 | 82 km | 2.7 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (2,763 acres, 1991).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 2,763 | 81 km |
| 2006 | UNNAMED | 2,089 | 45 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 2,043 | 69 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 2,023 | 76 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 1,840 | 76 km |
| 2005 | NR STEELE | 1,652 | 51 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 1,539 | 90 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 1,356 | 36 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 1,346 | 46 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 1,305 | 23 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 1,294 | 86 km |
| 2006 | UNNAMED | 1,282 | 60 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 1,273 | 93 km |
| 2006 | GRAND | 1,067 | 89 km |
| 1994 | UNNAMED | 1,045 | 71 km |
| 2005 | UNNAMED | 940 | 72 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 938 | 72 km |
| 1994 | UNNAMED | 869 | 86 km |
| 1994 | UNNAMED | 864 | 92 km |
| 2005 | UNNAMED | 860 | 28 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F (0°C) | 2.1 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 37°F (3°C) | 2.3 in | |
| March | 46°F (8°C) | 3.4 in | |
| April | 56°F (13°C) | 5.4 in | |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 6.9 in | Wettest |
| June | 74°F (23°C) | 5.7 in | |
| July | 78°F (26°C) | 4.3 in | Warmest |
| August | 77°F (25°C) | 3.9 in | |
| September | 69°F (21°C) | 4.7 in | |
| October | 58°F (14°C) | 3.7 in | |
| November | 46°F (8°C) | 3.7 in | |
| December | 36°F (2°C) | 2.7 in |
Schell City has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 32°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.9") and January the driest (2.1").