Weather & Climate in Southwest City, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Southwest City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 12.5 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 938 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.5°F |
| 12% above US avg | |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 938 ft (286 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 579/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5129°N, 94.6116°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Grand Lake Regional (NRI) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.6.
| Jun 11, 2017 | 6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas | M3.6 | 146 km | 6 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 | 6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas | M2.9 | 145 km | 6 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 | 9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma | M2.8 | 77 km | 5 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 | 7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma | M2.7 | 104 km | 5 km |
| Apr 3, 2016 | Arkansas-Oklahoma border region | M2.7 | 99 km | 5 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 | 6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma | M2.6 | 120 km | 5 km |
| May 21, 2010 | 2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas | M2.6 | 33 km | 1 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 | 6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas | M2.5 | 145 km | 5 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 | 3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas | M2.5 | 33 km | 0 km |
| Aug 11, 2011 | 11 km WSW of Jasper, Arkansas | M2.5 | 131 km | 4 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
709 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 220 fatalities, 2,200 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 | EF5 | 60 km | 21.6 mi | 158 |
| May 10, 2008 | EF4 | 72 km | 75.5 mi | 21 |
| Apr 26, 1991 | EF4 | 99 km | 4.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 | EF4 | 35 km | 11.9 mi | 3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 | EF4 | 68 km | 20.4 mi | 1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 | EF4 | 43 km | 41.8 mi | 0 |
| May 25, 2024 | EF3 | 24 km | 7.9 mi | 0 |
| Mar 30, 2022 | EF3 | 60 km | 5.2 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 66 km | 9.2 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 95 km | 11.3 mi | 3 |
| May 22, 2011 | EF3 | 26 km | 17.9 mi | 0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | EF3 | 57 km | 21.1 mi | 4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 32 km | 25.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 63 km | 29.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 89 km | 42.0 mi | 1 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 58 km | 49.0 mi | 7 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 70 km | 25.0 mi | 5 |
| Jun 1, 1999 | EF3 | 83 km | 2.0 mi | 2 |
| Nov 22, 1983 | EF3 | 75 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 | EF3 | 92 km | 30.0 mi | 1 |
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 | 58 km |
| 2009 | SAWMILL HOLLOW | 5,166 | 55 km |
| 1992 | UNNAMED | 4,546 | 48 km |
| 2005 | FLAT ROCK | 4,472 | 77 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 4,424 | 92 km |
| 1995 | F128 | 4,210 | 55 km |
| 2024 | NATURE FIRE | 3,744 | 56 km |
| 1986 | UNNAMED | 3,427 | 44 km |
| 2011 | UNNAMED | 3,285 | 93 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 3,160 | 37 km |
| 2006 | HUNT MILL HOLLOW FIRE | 3,080 | 92 km |
| 2016 | RXBURN | 2,951 | 45 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 2,918 | 48 km |
| 2021 | BRUSH CREEK | 2,814 | 21 km |
| 2018 | UNNAMED | 2,776 | 90 km |
| 2023 | RX WHISKEY SPRINGS 3 | 2,716 | 90 km |
| 2021 | BLACKBURN | 2,711 | 90 km |
| 2011 | CEDAR BLUFF | 2,693 | 97 km |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 2,661 | 37 km |
| 1992 | UNNAMED | 2,648 | 96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F (4°C) | 2.8 in | Coldest |
| February | 43°F (6°C) | 2.7 in | Driest |
| March | 52°F (11°C) | 3.9 in | |
| April | 61°F (16°C) | 4.8 in | |
| May | 69°F (20°C) | 6.2 in | Wettest |
| June | 77°F (25°C) | 4.7 in | |
| July | 81°F (27°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 80°F (27°C) | 3.5 in | |
| September | 72°F (22°C) | 4.5 in | |
| October | 61°F (16°C) | 4.6 in | |
| November | 50°F (10°C) | 3.9 in | |
| December | 42°F (5°C) | 3.2 in |
Southwest City has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 39°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.2") and February the driest (2.7").