All Countries
Weather & Climate in West Plains, MO
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
West Plains enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 255 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 44.5 inches. The area receives 2.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,007 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.0°F |
| 4% above US avg | |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 255 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,007 ft (307 m) |
| Area | 13.3 sq mi (34.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 927/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7281°N, 91.8524°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sharp County Regional (CKK) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
84 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M3.9.
| Oct 21, 1999 | 9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas | M3.9 | 83 km | 10 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 | 11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri | M3.9 | 26 km | 8 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 | 19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas | M3.9 | 73 km | 10 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 | 3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas | M3.8 | 133 km | 0 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 | 13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas | M3.7 | 83 km | 18 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 | 5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri | M3.7 | 24 km | 0 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 | 6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas | M3.6 | 109 km | 6 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 | 6 km E of Grandin, Missouri | M3.6 | 99 km | 11 km |
| Aug 20, 1994 | 4 km NE of Black Rock, Arkansas | M3.5 | 96 km | 10 km |
| Jun 27, 2000 | 15 km WSW of Marshall, Arkansas | M3.4 | 129 km | 0 km |
| Jan 20, 2010 | 4 km WNW of Lynn, Arkansas | M3.3 | 93 km | 0 km |
| Aug 21, 2022 | 4 km SSW of Imboden, Arkansas | M3.1 | 85 km | 16 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 | 10 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas | M3.1 | 82 km | 9 km |
| Mar 18, 1990 | 9 km W of Alton, Missouri | M3.0 | 31 km | 1 km |
| Jun 27, 2025 | 12 km WSW of Grandin, Missouri | M2.9 | 81 km | 10 km |
| May 21, 2012 | 6 km SW of Williamsville, Missouri | M2.9 | 114 km | 10 km |
| Jan 26, 2009 | 1 km NNE of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas | M2.9 | 109 km | 4 km |
| May 21, 2013 | Arkansas | M2.9 | 100 km | 15 km |
| Feb 9, 2004 | 1 km SW of Reyno, Arkansas | M2.9 | 106 km | 13 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 | 6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas | M2.9 | 109 km | 6 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990–2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
346 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF4. Total: 33 fatalities, 641 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Apr 24, 2002 | EF4 | 80 km | 40.5 mi | 0 |
| Dec 24, 1982 | EF4 | 64 km | 63.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 | EF4 | 37 km | 20.0 mi | 2 |
| May 21, 1957 | EF4 | 66 km | 9.1 mi | 7 |
| Mar 25, 1954 | EF4 | 74 km | 12.1 mi | 2 |
| May 26, 2024 | EF3 | 33 km | 12.4 mi | 0 |
| May 26, 2024 | EF3 | 96 km | 34.6 mi | 1 |
| May 25, 2011 | EF3 | 90 km | 47.4 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 2009 | EF3 | 18 km | 2.2 mi | 0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 | EF3 | 31 km | 15.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 2, 2006 | EF3 | 97 km | 77.0 mi | 2 |
| Mar 5, 1996 | EF3 | 82 km | 46.5 mi | 0 |
| Nov 18, 1985 | EF3 | 95 km | 34.0 mi | 3 |
| Oct 18, 1984 | EF3 | 30 km | 26.0 mi | 1 |
| Dec 2, 1982 | EF3 | 64 km | 9.0 mi | 0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 | EF3 | 41 km | 1.5 mi | 2 |
| Apr 11, 1979 | EF3 | 40 km | 35.4 mi | 0 |
| Dec 14, 1971 | EF3 | 85 km | 23.6 mi | 0 |
| Jul 19, 1970 | EF3 | 40 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1968 | EF3 | 61 km | 7.3 mi | 3 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: HANDY (12,818 acres, 2012).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2012 | HANDY | 12,818 | 65 km |
| 2007 | DEAD HORSE | 10,389 | 87 km |
| 2004 | LOWER WILD | 10,034 | 87 km |
| 2011 | UNNAMED | 9,641 | 69 km |
| 2022 | CEDAR BLUFF | 9,617 | 65 km |
| 2013 | LOWER WILDERNESS RX | 8,699 | 87 km |
| 2020 | BIG BARREN CREEK | 8,150 | 65 km |
| 2022 | STEGALL MOUNTAIN | 6,979 | 71 km |
| 2007 | UNNAMED | 6,931 | 87 km |
| 2021 | SYL BIRMINGHAM | 6,803 | 84 km |
| 2011 | UNNAMED | 6,686 | 86 km |
| 2010 | BRUSHY/CLAYTON | 6,401 | 86 km |
| 2020 | BIG CREEK | 6,399 | 86 km |
| 2015 | 15 STEGAL MOUNTAIN | 5,112 | 70 km |
| 2021 | ROCK PILE | 5,067 | 27 km |
| 2018 | UNNAMED | 4,873 | 85 km |
| 2011 | MINNINGHAW | 4,792 | 93 km |
| 2024 | BRIDGES RX | 4,781 | 72 km |
| 2009 | STEGAL MTN. COMPLEX | 4,717 | 70 km |
| 2017 | UNNAMED | 4,602 | 93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F (-0°C) | 2.4 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 38°F (3°C) | 2.8 in | |
| March | 47°F (8°C) | 4.4 in | |
| April | 56°F (13°C) | 4.4 in | |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 4.7 in | Wettest |
| June | 72°F (22°C) | 3.9 in | |
| July | 78°F (25°C) | 3.2 in | Warmest |
| August | 76°F (25°C) | 3.5 in | |
| September | 69°F (21°C) | 3.9 in | |
| October | 58°F (14°C) | 3.4 in | |
| November | 46°F (8°C) | 4.3 in | |
| December | 36°F (2°C) | 3.9 in |
West Plains has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 32°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.4").