Weather & Climate in Waco, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Waco enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.3 inches. The area receives 7.8 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 909 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 58.1°F |
| 8% above US avg | |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 909 ft (277 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 731/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2470°N, 94.5994°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN) 6 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 | 146 km | 5 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 | 1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri | M3.1 | 136 km | 5 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 | 9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma | M2.8 | 124 km | 5 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 | 7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma | M2.7 | 132 km | 5 km |
| May 21, 2010 | 2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas | M2.6 | 104 km | 1 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 | 3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri | M2.6 | 145 km | 2 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 | 3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas | M2.5 | 105 km | 0 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
596 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 224 fatalities, 2,113 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 | EF5 | 22 km | 21.6 mi | 158 |
| May 10, 2008 | EF4 | 55 km | 75.5 mi | 21 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF4 | 48 km | 33.0 mi | 4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 | EF4 | 46 km | 11.9 mi | 3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 | EF4 | 73 km | 20.4 mi | 1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 | EF4 | 62 km | 41.8 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 15 km | 9.2 mi | 0 |
| May 22, 2019 | EF3 | 33 km | 11.3 mi | 3 |
| May 22, 2011 | EF3 | 89 km | 17.9 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 | EF3 | 77 km | 42.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 21, 2005 | EF3 | 69 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 36 km | 25.0 mi | 5 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 37 km | 86.0 mi | 5 |
| May 4, 2003 | EF3 | 51 km | 49.0 mi | 7 |
| Apr 19, 2000 | EF3 | 84 km | 34.0 mi | 0 |
| May 17, 1995 | EF3 | 66 km | 14.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 | EF3 | 22 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 | EF3 | 78 km | 30.0 mi | 1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 | EF3 | 9 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 | EF3 | 36 km | 70.0 mi | 2 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (4,424 acres, 2004).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2004 | UNNAMED | 4,424 | 85 km |
| 1986 | UNNAMED | 3,427 | 38 km |
| 2021 | BRUSH CREEK | 2,814 | 98 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 2,043 | 62 km |
| 1988 | UNNAMED | 1,539 | 73 km |
| 1989 | UNNAMED | 1,523 | 56 km |
| 2010 | NO TORCH | 1,356 | 86 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 1,356 | 100 km |
| 1996 | UNNAMED | 1,346 | 61 km |
| 1995 | UNNAMED | 1,280 | 71 km |
| 2006 | GRAND | 1,067 | 72 km |
| 1984 | RESIDENT | 1,048 | 30 km |
| 1992 | UNNAMED | 912 | 63 km |
| 1992 | UNNAMED | 867 | 65 km |
| 2000 | UNNAMED | 802 | 91 km |
| 1992 | UNNAMED | 581 | 67 km |
| 2012 | WALNUT GROVE | 540 | 93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 35°F (2°C) | 1.6 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 39°F (4°C) | 2.0 in | |
| March | 49°F (9°C) | 3.1 in | |
| April | 58°F (14°C) | 4.7 in | |
| May | 67°F (19°C) | 6.9 in | Wettest |
| June | 76°F (24°C) | 5.5 in | |
| July | 80°F (27°C) | 4.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 79°F (26°C) | 3.6 in | |
| September | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 in | |
| October | 59°F (15°C) | 3.6 in | |
| November | 48°F (9°C) | 3.2 in | |
| December | 38°F (3°C) | 2.5 in |
Waco has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 35°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (6.9") and January the driest (1.6").