Weather & Climate in Short, OK
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Short enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 667 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (5°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 62.4°F |
| 16% above US avg | |
| January Average | 40°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 667 ft (203 m) |
| Area | 10.9 sq mi (28.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 13/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.5682°N, 94.4954°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crawford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Smith Regional (FSM) 19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Moderate |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively High |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
75 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.7.
| Aug 24, 2021 | 1 km S of Quinton, Oklahoma | M3.7 | 94 km | 7 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 | 1 km ENE of Quinton, Oklahoma | M3.7 | 92 km | 6 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 | 16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas | M3.5 | 132 km | 29 km |
| Aug 22, 2021 | 3 km ESE of Quinton, Oklahoma | M3.4 | 92 km | 7 km |
| Jul 22, 2021 | 2 km E of Quinton, Oklahoma | M3.3 | 91 km | 8 km |
| Feb 7, 2020 | 2 km SSW of Quinton, Oklahoma | M3.2 | 96 km | 6 km |
| Feb 7, 2020 | 3 km SSW of Quinton, Oklahoma | M3.2 | 96 km | 6 km |
| May 27, 2007 | 9 km SW of Hanna, Oklahoma | M3.2 | 142 km | 5 km |
| Aug 12, 2019 | 1 km NE of Quinton, Oklahoma | M3.2 | 92 km | 5 km |
| Jun 3, 2022 | 10 km W of Quinton, Oklahoma | M3.2 | 102 km | 13 km |
| Mar 14, 2022 | 12 km E of Crowder, Oklahoma | M3.1 | 108 km | 8 km |
| Jan 7, 2018 | 7 km SW of Indianola, Oklahoma | M3.1 | 132 km | 5 km |
| Apr 1, 2020 | 2 km NE of Quinton, Oklahoma | M3.1 | 91 km | 9 km |
| Jul 28, 1990 | 18 km W of Mountain Pine, Arkansas | M2.9 | 148 km | 4 km |
| Feb 3, 2021 | 1 km SW of Quinton, Oklahoma | M2.9 | 95 km | 7 km |
| Sep 21, 2019 | 2 km NNE of Quinton, Oklahoma | M2.9 | 92 km | 7 km |
| May 8, 2022 | 13 km WSW of Quinton, Oklahoma | M2.9 | 107 km | 7 km |
| Aug 14, 2024 | 13 km WSW of Quinton, Oklahoma | M2.9 | 107 km | 8 km |
| Aug 12, 2021 | 2 km E of Quinton, Oklahoma | M2.8 | 92 km | 7 km |
| Jul 8, 2019 | 3 km ENE of Quinton, OK | M2.8 | 90 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
600 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 61 fatalities, 948 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Mar 26, 1976 | EF5 | 45 km | 11.9 mi | 2 |
| May 24, 2011 | EF4 | 59 km | 45.7 mi | 4 |
| May 26, 1973 | EF4 | 75 km | 3.6 mi | 5 |
| Apr 19, 1968 | EF4 | 46 km | 2.0 mi | 14 |
| May 5, 1960 | EF4 | 22 km | 5.4 mi | 5 |
| Jan 22, 1957 | EF4 | 25 km | 0.1 mi | 10 |
| May 25, 2024 | EF3 | 82 km | 7.9 mi | 0 |
| Mar 30, 2022 | EF3 | 69 km | 5.2 mi | 0 |
| May 24, 2011 | EF3 | 89 km | 29.0 mi | 1 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | EF3 | 48 km | 21.1 mi | 4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 80 km | 29.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 75 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 | EF3 | 81 km | 2.0 mi | 2 |
| Jun 1, 1999 | EF3 | 94 km | 4.5 mi | 0 |
| May 4, 1999 | EF3 | 5 km | 38.2 mi | 0 |
| Apr 21, 1996 | EF3 | 69 km | 15.0 mi | 2 |
| Apr 21, 1996 | EF3 | 21 km | 10.1 mi | 2 |
| Nov 22, 1983 | EF3 | 39 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 | EF3 | 26 km | 1.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 19, 1981 | 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 (18,089 acres, 2007).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 18,089 | 60 km |
| 2000 | UNNAMED | 15,318 | 53 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 14,774 | 59 km |
| 1998 | UNNAMED | 13,929 | 51 km |
| 2016 | WEST CAVANAL FIRE | 13,100 | 62 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 12,086 | 62 km |
| 2016 | UNNAMED | 11,929 | 51 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 10,593 | 84 km |
| 2016 | UNNAMED | 9,483 | 97 km |
| 2013 | UNNAMED | 9,385 | 84 km |
| 2021 | BILLY CREEK | 9,236 | 99 km |
| 2017 | MIDDLE RIDGE | 8,501 | 12 km |
| 2014 | UNNAMED | 7,945 | 83 km |
| 2016 | UNNAMED | 7,919 | 72 km |
| 2013 | UNNAMED | 7,804 | 72 km |
| 2003 | UNNAMED | 7,415 | 47 km |
| 2019 | UNNAMED | 7,344 | 72 km |
| 2022 | RIVER ROAD | 6,722 | 99 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 6,657 | 10 km |
| 2017 | HILLTOP | 6,523 | 64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F (5°C) | 3.4 in | Coldest |
| February | 45°F (7°C) | 3.1 in | Driest |
| March | 54°F (12°C) | 4.6 in | |
| April | 62°F (17°C) | 5.4 in | Wettest |
| May | 70°F (21°C) | 5.2 in | |
| June | 79°F (26°C) | 4.7 in | |
| July | 83°F (28°C) | 4.0 in | Warmest |
| August | 82°F (28°C) | 3.3 in | |
| September | 75°F (24°C) | 4.4 in | |
| October | 64°F (18°C) | 4.6 in | |
| November | 52°F (11°C) | 4.7 in | |
| December | 43°F (6°C) | 3.6 in |
Short has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 40°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.9 inches, with April being the wettest month (5.4") and February the driest (3.1").