Weather & Climate in Seneca, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Seneca enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 8.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 860 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 58.6°F |
| 9% above US avg | |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 860 ft (262 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 757/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.8397°N, 94.6092°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Miami Regional (MIO) 16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M2.8.
| Mar 23, 2024 | 9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma | M2.8 | 92 km | 5 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 | 7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma | M2.7 | 110 km | 5 km |
| Apr 3, 2016 | Arkansas-Oklahoma border region | M2.7 | 134 km | 5 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 | 6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma | M2.6 | 128 km | 5 km |
| May 21, 2010 | 2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas | M2.6 | 61 km | 1 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 | 3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas | M2.5 | 62 km | 0 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
707 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 230 fatalities, 2,235 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 | EF5 | 24 km | 21.6 mi | 158 |
| May 10, 2008 | EF4 | 50 km | 75.5 mi | 21 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF4 | 78 km | 33.0 mi | 4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 | EF4 | 3 km | 11.9 mi | 3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 | EF4 | 57 km | 20.4 mi | 1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 | EF4 | 33 km | 41.8 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2024 | EF3 | 60 km | 7.9 mi | 0 |
| Mar 30, 2022 | EF3 | 90 km | 5.2 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 30 km | 9.2 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 62 km | 11.3 mi | 3 |
| May 22, 2011 | EF3 | 47 km | 17.9 mi | 0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | EF3 | 94 km | 21.1 mi | 4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 74 km | 42.0 mi | 1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 93 km | 29.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 68 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 2005 | EF3 | 92 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 82 km | 86.0 mi | 5 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 38 km | 49.0 mi | 7 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 40 km | 25.0 mi | 5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 | EF3 | 94 km | 34.0 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: TELAMAY HOLLOW (5,686 acres, 2009).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2009 | TELAMAY HOLLOW | 5,686 | 93 km |
| 2009 | SAWMILL HOLLOW | 5,166 | 90 km |
| 1992 | UNNAMED | 4,546 | 84 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 4,424 | 79 km |
| 1995 | F128 | 4,210 | 91 km |
| 2024 | NATURE FIRE | 3,744 | 91 km |
| 1986 | UNNAMED | 3,427 | 9 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 3,160 | 63 km |
| 2016 | RXBURN | 2,951 | 80 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 2,918 | 84 km |
| 2021 | BRUSH CREEK | 2,814 | 53 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 2,661 | 63 km |
| 2020 | TWIN PEAKS | 2,578 | 79 km |
| 2023 | RX TWIN PEAKS | 2,560 | 79 km |
| 2002 | ROUNDTPCOX | 2,248 | 66 km |
| 2017 | CHEWI PROCTOR | 2,176 | 93 km |
| 2021 | EAST FORK | 2,134 | 85 km |
| 2021 | BIG CREEK | 2,123 | 62 km |
| 1992 | UNNAMED | 1,996 | 64 km |
| 1995 | UNNAMED | 1,992 | 64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36°F (2°C) | 2.6 in | Coldest |
| February | 40°F (4°C) | 2.4 in | Driest |
| March | 49°F (9°C) | 3.7 in | |
| April | 58°F (15°C) | 5.3 in | |
| May | 67°F (20°C) | 6.7 in | Wettest |
| June | 76°F (24°C) | 5.7 in | |
| July | 80°F (27°C) | 4.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 79°F (26°C) | 3.7 in | |
| September | 71°F (22°C) | 5.0 in | |
| October | 60°F (15°C) | 4.1 in | |
| November | 49°F (9°C) | 3.7 in | |
| December | 39°F (4°C) | 2.9 in |
Seneca has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 36°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.7") and February the driest (2.4").