Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Southwest City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 255 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 44.8 inches. The area receives 1.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 938 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)79°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average
57.8°F
7% above US avg
January Average
34°F (1°C)
July Average
79°F (26°C)
Sunny Days
255 days/yr
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
Annual Rainfall44.8"
18% above US avg
Snowfall1.9"
Wettest Month (May)5.08"
Driest Month (Jan)1.89"
Air Quality
AQI Median
41.0
Rating
Good
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
34°F (1°C)
1.9 in
Coldest, Driest
February
40°F (4°C)
2.2 in
March
49°F (9°C)
3.9 in
April
58°F (14°C)
4.3 in
May
66°F (19°C)
5.1 in
Wettest
June
74°F (23°C)
4.7 in
July
79°F (26°C)
3.2 in
Warmest
August
78°F (26°C)
3.5 in
September
71°F (21°C)
5.0 in
October
60°F (15°C)
3.9 in
November
48°F (9°C)
4.2 in
December
38°F (3°C)
2.9 in
Southwest City has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 34°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (1.9").